"B2431" wrote in message
...

In the old days pilots would often fly with a cat and a goose. If they
lost
visibility they could drop the cat over the side. Since cats always land
on
their feet the pilot would have a rough horizon reference. To get out of
the
weather they would heave the goose over the side and follow it to clear
weather.

Dan, U. S. Air Force, retired

This is an Urban Legend. Geese were never used, as they *love* to fly in the
fog. Ducks were required.

Also, the cat was placed on the cockpit floor and used as a bio-horizon.
Don't forget the dog to keep the cat from curling up and going to sleep.

Rich S.