Piloto Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 When approaching a line of build ups you want to know if you can over fly it or at least which part of it is lower than your current altitude. Or if you may have to do an early descent. Specially when travelling with passengers not keen to turbulence. You want to make the decision at least 10 minutes ahead so you do not end up on a steep dive or climb. To determine the relative altitude of the cloud tops you will need the horizon in view. But finding the horizon line in a bunch of clouds is almost impossible. So I use a level scope that superimpose a horizon line on the scope view. By looking at the clouds through the scope I can tell if the clouds are above or below my altitude. The scope use a level bubble superimposed on the horizon line to determine the horizon. I have been using it for over 20 years and it works very well. You can get it on ebay for $14.45. Not bad for something that synthetic vision will never show and will make your ride more comfortable. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/300944020692?item=300944020692&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true José 2 Quote
N201MKTurbo Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 I have a WWII aviation sextant that does the same thing... Quote
Bennett Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 You might want to check out the Cloud Topper app for IOS. 5 Quote
Wakeup Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 I have to order one. Since I can not fly in the clouds, I am always trying to figure out if I need to do up or down. Thanks again. Troy Quote
Wakeup Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 I just ordered one. I will let you know if I ever get back up in the air. I am being promised my plane will be done this weekend. I am not holding my breath. Troy Quote
rainman Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 Thanks José , do you mount it somewhere or just grab it when you need it and look through? Quote
aviatoreb Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 Are you saying real vision is better than synthetic vision? 1 Quote
midlifeflyer Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 You might want to check out the Cloud Topper app for IOS. Only $0.99. But who flies around carrying an iPad, iPhone or Android? Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Quote
N601RX Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 Cloud Topper works well. There is also a free level app that works in conjunction with the camera to show up or downward angle 2 Quote
Piloto Posted June 2, 2015 Author Report Posted June 2, 2015 Thanks José , do you mount it somewhere or just grab it when you need it and look through? I just leave it in the seat pocket and grab it when I need it. If you travel with kids you may need a second one. They love looking through it searching for angels and Santa. Some of these scopes have magnification to look even farther. José 1 Quote
kmyfm20s Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 Cloud topper looks good! The level scope will be nice to hand the passengers to give them something to do. They are always asks if the approaching mountains or clouds are higher than me. Quote
DaV8or Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 You might want to check out the Cloud Topper app for IOS. Â Does that ap really work well? Worth the .99 cents? (Talk about cheap bastard!!!) Quote
PaulB Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 Does that ap really work well? Worth the .99 cents? (Talk about cheap bastard!!!) It works ok but you have to estimate the distance to the clouds which makes the resulting calculated cloud height even more of an estimate. Quote
Marauder Posted June 8, 2015 Report Posted June 8, 2015 I played with the app on the way back home today. I think I need a little more stick time with the app to see whether I can make it work right. I was riding the tops of these clouds at 9000'. What was REALLY amazing between these two shots was that I hit a bug at 9000'!! How the heck does that happen?! Quote
kmyfm20s Posted June 8, 2015 Report Posted June 8, 2015 I flew home from the Grand Canyon on Friday and played with the app also. I was flying at 8500' getting bumped around under a scattered layer of little Puffs of clouds. The IPhone was a little hard to stabilize and read in the turbulence but managed. I saw a good opening to climb on top, I used the app to get the angle to the top of the clouds and it worked perfect. Ended up having to go to 14,500', I was guessing 12,500' but passing through that altitude the tops where still above the level line. I still ordered the sight level and look forward to playing with it also. Quote
JohnB Posted June 8, 2015 Report Posted June 8, 2015 You might want to check out the Cloud Topper app for IOS. I tried the app, and on he ground with a full wifi or data connection it's works fine, displays relative altitude of whatever you point at. In the air when you have less of a signal, it only tells you the percent up or down what you pointing tip Quote
Jim Peace Posted June 8, 2015 Report Posted June 8, 2015 Â What was REALLY amazing between these two shots was that I hit a bug at 9000'!! How the heck does that happen?! Â I have hit bugs in the high teens........ 2 Quote
PTK Posted June 8, 2015 Report Posted June 8, 2015 I have hit bugs in the high teens........ Do they carry Oâ‚‚ ?! 1 Quote
DonMuncy Posted June 8, 2015 Report Posted June 8, 2015 I have heard theories that they are carried upward by updrafts, rather than merely flying that high. 1 Quote
Piloto Posted June 9, 2015 Author Report Posted June 9, 2015 I played with the app on the way back home today. I think I need a little more stick time with the app to see whether I can make it work right. I was riding the tops of these clouds at 9000'. What was REALLY amazing between these two shots was that I hit a bug at 9000'!! How the heck does that happen?! That is not a bug but a piece from a flushing toilet above. Bugs can not find food above tree level. José 1 Quote
bonal Posted June 9, 2015 Report Posted June 9, 2015 I've hit bugs at 10500 feet and was thinking what the service celing is for them critters. Quote
Htwjr Posted June 9, 2015 Report Posted June 9, 2015 Just another bug on the windshield of life. Quote
yvesg Posted June 9, 2015 Report Posted June 9, 2015 Can someone buy me one and bring it to Oshkosh?.. I'll pay cash. Things that cheap become expensive when crossing the border with all taxes and brokerage fees. Yves Quote
1964-M20E Posted June 9, 2015 Report Posted June 9, 2015 Shorty's used to or maybe still does sell something like this. It probably cost more since selling it for aviation use. Quote
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