Jeppesen / NACO, ? WHO CARES!

[momalley81]

Honestly, if you're instructing, I don't think it's that big a deal. NACO charts are just as good as the Jepps. I "learned" how to read jepps while in Lear initial. Took me about 5 minutes.

Now, do I find myself hunting for some info every now and then? Sure. Flew with the government crap for 8 years, been using Jepps for all of 3 months now.

I just can't agree with this attitude of "get used to using Jepps now if you want to be a professional pilot" Use what the boss is buying; if you have to pay for 'em, it's the same information, use whatever is cheaper, or what you're used to.

FWIW, I've never heard of anyone not getting a job because all they used before were NACO charts. Shoot, I know of more than a few professional flight departments that use, <GASP> government charts too.

 

[avbug]

Ever carry and use the change book with NACO's? Ever consult the jepp chart notams before each flight?

Jepp puts out a full volume explaining their charts, and has a full course available for those willing to take the time to learn. Of course, with five minutes training and three months experience, you know all about that.

Yes, I've seen people fail interviews based on their inexperience with charts, among many other reasons.

 

[momalley81]

Ever carry and use the change book with NACO's? Ever consult the jepp chart notams before each flight?

Jepp puts out a full volume explaining their charts, and has a full course available for those willing to take the time to learn. Of course, with five minutes training and three months experience, you know all about that.

Yes, I've seen people fail interviews based on their inexperience with charts, among many other reasons.

Yes, at my previous company we were issued them as they were issued. Yes, we used NACO instead of Jepps because that's what the company issued.

And yes, I also get to review the chart NOTAMS too; not before each flight, but I do pull them for the trip books, and "familiarize" myself when I do the 4 sets of revisions every two weeks.

Now, did these people fail interviews because they couldn't read Jepps? Or were they not able to read ANY instrument charts? I never claimed to be an expert on Jepps, my point is that if you're familiar with what you're using, the transition should be fairly straight forward.

The only time it was ever even brought up in an interview with me was when I was asked what kind of charts I was currently using. And then being told, "well, don't worry about it; the Jepps are easier and more user-friendly anyway" I'd have to question any kind of organization that would fail to hire someone who was otherwise a good fit because they couldn't read a chart format that they didn't use.

 

[8inMan]

Most importantly, know the ones that you use no matter which kind they are. They both give you the information you need, just in a slightly different format. I personally use bound NOS charts because that is what the company supplies. They are very sturdy and they work well in our particular environment. The chart book for our home airport tends to wear out pretty quickly, but its usually not a problem because you get all new ones every 2 months. I'm sure there are places where the Jepps are much better and I look forward to using them if I ever do any flying overseas.