I use the baking timer from Wal-Mart. It's got a clip on it that you can clip to your pocket. I set it for the time of the flight that I want and it beeps when I should land. My Airtronics RD6000 and my new JR X9303 both have countdown timers built into them. Some watches have countdown timers on them, but you'll just have to look for one that has it. I used to use one on my watch, but it's awkward to hold the radio in one hand and try to reach across to the watch and start the timer. If you're dead set against using a cooking timer your choices are pretty limited. I used one for about 7 years now, so I don't see what's wrong with using one.

Ken