All,

FYI, just saw John Wayne's "Island in the Sky." Interesting film,
hadn't seen this one before, worth a rent - especially if you're a
flyer (I'm not).

A couple of the navigators in this film (1950's made, WWII-era
subject) use the circular slide rule with attached card that I've
come to recognize since joining this group. And some attempt has been
made to make it look like they're really working the devices.

Additionally, pilots pull out of their pockets a circular slide rule
of dark material (it's a B&W film) for flight time and fuel
estimating, but mostly wave the thing around for a moment.

In a weird coincidence, I also just re-watched the original "Thing."
The navigator's slide rule makes a brief appearance as a hand-held
prop here, too. The coincidence? Both films feature Jim Arness, take
place in the artic and feature similar (same?) 2-engined Army
transport planes.

Happy watching.

PS: For you flyers on the list -- I attempt to maintain currency with
celestial navigation by sextant (I do carry GPS on my boat, too, by
the way). In "Island in the Sky," the OCTANT was highlighted very
specifically. I thought even for airplane navigation, SEXTANTS were
used, and octants were antiques by the mid-nineteenth century. If
anyone could please clarify ... thanks.

Regards,
Mike