DMP9679

This has been something that I have tried to figure out myself; however, I can't figure out where to find the correct answer.

How in the world do you sinc. your clock with ATC's in the IFR environment?

For ex: Clearance void if not off by 1930, time now 1925 and 1/2 seconds. How in the world do you sinc your clock with this. I have my methods of taking my time and using what time is on my clock and working the difference, but sometimes my calculations cannot take in the seconds factor.

Also, let's say that I report crossing the hold fix at 1101, what does ATC do when my time does not match up?

I have many, many questions like these that are really something I think only experienced pilots would probably know, this being that they have been in the environment for some time. I do read my books quite often, but all of my questions still loom.

I would like to thank you guys for the help early, I am currently getting back into the flying after 6 months of ground responsibilities! I will be starting with two Instrument students next week, and I would like to teach them as much good info as I can.

iflyjets4food

If it's gonna be close on the time, i.e. seconds, get a later time. You are doing it correctly as far as looking at your watch and working the difference. The days of having to make position reports inside the U.S. are mostly gone, but they are not completely gone. One way I've found to make a good position report with respect to time is to say, "Crossing XYZ fix at present time...". It isn't an exact science. If you really aren't sure or want to dig further, go visit your local ATC facility, or give them a call. Good luck.

ToiletDuck

Usually they are all on the same time and if you have a cellphone with automatic updating it should put you on the exact same time they are using. And if in doubt just ask them what time they are showing.

FlaZoomie

Learn how to call up the time in your GPS. That time is synced via the atomic clocks overseen by the gov't (aka highly accurate, consistant, all GPS's on same time, etc.).

Sync your watch to that every few weeks and you'll be within a few seconds, even with a cheepy $50 watch.

Else, just call a FSS and sync your watch with them every few weeks.

DMP9679

Yeah, I know that what I am doing currently is sufficient, I just have always wondered what everyone els does. You know, I want to be a part of the club! Being on time is in you know.