Spread out the chart so the areas of the flight are on display. If using more than one sectional, work with one at a time and make the calculation by adding up the distances found per chart.
Place the plotter down onto the chart and make sure the proper scale is being used, in this case the nautical mile scale. Align the plotter to the departure point to the arrival point. Draw a pencil line on the chart for the route. Make sure the departure point is aligned with the zero on the plotter and take the number at the arrival.
Align the plotter to the next leg of the flight if doing multiple hops. Write down each number, keeping the zero aligned at the departure midpoint to the next arrival point. Add up all the numbers for a total air mile distance. For example, if calculating the air miles between airport W to airport X and the distance according to the plotter is 65, write this down. If the distance between X and Y is 45, note this and add the two together for total air miles or 110.
