The Heads Up Flight Desk

Measure the diameter of your yoke tube by holding a ruler above the tube and then “eyeballing” a measurement (figure). This will determine the size of the yoke clip.

Next measure the distance from the yoke tube to the top surface of the yoke. This will determine the size of the spacer used. The spacer size determines how high the front portion of the flight desk will sit, and also the angle at which it sits on your yoke (figure).

Standard Model Number Codes:

HUD1.5ML

The model code begins with “HUD” in all cases. This stands for Heads Up Desk.

The digits represent the spacer length in inches (standard choices are .75, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 inch).

M stands for medium sized yoke clip. The choices here are:

• M = medium size clip (fits .75 to 1.125 inch yoke tubes)
• L = large size yoke clip (fits 1.0 to 1.5 inch yoke tubes)

There are a large number of different configurations of aircraft yokes, and while we do have measurements for some aircraft, your best bet is to take measurements from the aircraft you will be using this product in. If that is not possible, we will do our best to determine the measurements from alternate sources.

Suggested Model Numbers:

Make and Model Airplane	HUD Model Number
Cessna 172 (most older versions)	HUD1.5ML
Cessna 172 (newer models)	Custom Order HUD5.0ML
Cessna 177	HUD.75LL
Cessna 182	HUD1.0LL
Cessna 210	HUD.75LL
Piper Warrior	HUD1.5LL

We still suggest measuring for the fit that you desire. Some pilots like a steeper viewing angle than others, and only you can determine the angle that you like. The suggested models above provide a relatively shallow viewing angle.

Yoke Mounted Chart Desk-The Heads Up Flight When studying human factors in aviation safety, a certified flight instructor and honors student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University developed The Heads Up Flight Desk. He noted that you would find a yoke mounted chart desk on almost every airline flight deck to keep important information in the pilot's normal field of view because taking the pilot's eyes away from scanning either outside the aircraft for conflicting traffic or looking at the instruments is seen as being a flight hazard. You will find this innovative safety-enhancing product for general aviation to be convenient for keeping important documents such as instrument approach plates, airport diagrams, and flight logs in plain sight. Important safety briefing items are permanently imprinted right on the surface of the desk. Items are: a crew and passenger briefing, engine failure during takeoff briefing, engine failure in flight memory terms, and a pre-landing checklist. The Heads Up Flight Desk is a top quality safety-enhancing device that will put you in the same league as professional airline crews. Until now, general aviation pilots have not had a more affordable and durable means of keeping important documents in the usual field of view. Taking into consideration the fact that the average flight crew for the general aviation pilot is usually him or herself, having this tool to make things a little easier certainly can't be a bad idea!

Why use a white LED? "Red light distorts colors, especially on aeronautical charts, and makes it very difficult for the eyes to focus on objects inside the aircraft. Pilots should use it only where optimum outside night vision capability is necessary. White cockpit lighting should be available when needed for map and instrument reading, especially under IMC conditions." Direct quote from: FAA-H-8083-15 Instrument Flying Handbook