E6B - Manual vs Electronic

MD11Pilot

MD11Pilot

Line Up and Wait
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MD11Pilot
In the midst of relearning a lifetime of aviation knowledge and for the first time in thirty plus years, I need to use a computer of some type. I have an old CR-3 but honestly just don’t want to dig through all of the complexity of the multiple layers. Studying for my AGI now. Some of the students I work with use the Sporty’s Electronic version and some use the old E6-B with the slider.

What is the general consensus amongst you youngsters? Electronic or manual?

Anyone have a newer one they don’t want?

In the Austin TX area.
 
I actually use a combination: there is a free app called “Flight Computer Sim” that is an E6B for your phone/iPad.
 
I always brought a manual to the written tests but usually used the on-screen flight computer offered via the Lasergrade/PSI software.
 
I started flying in 2015. I have an old Sporty’s electronic E-6B and a metal slide-rule E-6B. I prefer the mechanical one. It is easier to use without having to remember where everything is. The exception is the inner wheel stuff like density altitude, which always takes me a moment to remember which window to use.
 
If it is temporary, the mechanical works fine and is a lot cheaper, if you are just trying to get through a test. I honestly no longer have use for either of them.
 
Thanks.

dmspilot, you’re the second one to say that the PSI screen had one but I honestly didn’t know about it. Will call and confirm. I am an old fart and this computer stuff is Greek to me sometimes
 
Neither. Maybe my old mechanical one, every few years? If my flight bag is handy and my iPad isn't. But just not that much need in a 172, unless pressing fuel reserves, or some odd curiosity about TAS, etc.
 
Frankly a formal calculator works just fine and the math ain’t that bad.
 
An old manual E6-B never runs out of batteries or won't boot up at the most inopportune moment. Nothing wrong about being able to do things non-powered.
 
I haven't used my E6B since I was a student pilot. As such, I prefer not using a mechanical one to not using an electronic one.
 
I can use both but much prefer electronic.
 
Both. I usually used electronic for the written tests and taught the whiz wheel for cross country planning.
 
If it is for your AGI, I'd take the time to relearn the manual computer. The only time I've used one since I got my private in 1990 has been while teaching. Not because I care whether the student uses one or not, but because the wind side is a great visual illustration of a wind triangle and how wind affects both heading and airspeed.
 
You are going to be an Advanced Ground Instructor that doesn’t know how to teach an E6B?
 
Clip4 said:
You are going to be an Advanced Ground Instructor that doesn’t know how to teach an E6B?
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Your an azzhole dude. Lighten up. Hope you treat your students with more respect than what you covey to members on here
 
CC268 said:
Your an azzhole dude. Lighten up. Hope you treat your students with more respect than what you covey to members on here
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So what do you propose he does when a student at the flight school walks up and says, “Are you an instructor and can you take a minute to refresh my memory on E6B operation?”
 
Clip4 said:
So what do you propose he does when a student at the flight school walks up and says, “Are you an instructor and can you take a minute to refresh my memory on E6B operation?”
Click to expand...

I don't see anywhere in his post where he stated he wasn't willing to re-learn how to use an E6B. He was asking a pretty simple question and you immediately jump to personal accusations. Am I surprised? Based on your post history - nah. But I think most folks are tired of your nonsensical attacks on here. I'd suggest reading through the AIH again, you might pick up some good tips for future students (FYI - they don't involve belittling folks when they ask questions).
 
For the AGI, I would make sure you know how to use the E6B.
You will have some students that will want to learn how to use it.
I have recently removed the E6B from my normal curriculum just because the Laser grade/PSI testing centers one have electronic ones on the testing software. For actually teaching I would recommend getting one of the study softwares that simulate the testing center so you can practice what they actually offer. Formally the only reason for learning the E6B was to pass the knowledge tests. For check rides and afterwords I use whatever App my student or I like on my phone. As long as they can properly fill out a Paper Navigation Log and know all the terminology on it, I don’t care what kind of calculator they use. And the one on the phone, they will likely have with them when/if they ever need it.
Brian
CFIIG/ASEL
 
CC268 said:
I don't see anywhere in his post where he stated he wasn't willing to re-learn how to use an E6B. He was asking a pretty simple question and you immediately jump to personal accusations. Am I surprised? Based on your post history - nah. But I think most folks are tired of your nonsensical attacks on here. I'd suggest reading through the AIH again, you might pick up some good tips for future students (FYI - they don't involve belittling folks when they ask questions).
Click to expand...

So asking if he is going to be an Advanced Ground Instructor who doesn’t know how to use an E6B is belittling?

You need to go back to your psychologist there little buddy.
 
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Clip4 said:
So asking if he is going to be an Advanced Ground Instructor who doesn’t know how to use an E6B is belittling?

You need to go back to your psychologist there little buddy.
Click to expand...

It’s a shame someone like you is an instructor. Don’t forget your blood pressure medicine bud.
 
Thanks for the replies. After 40 plus years of never using one in my 22500 hours flying heavy jets internationally, I am relearning things from long ago.
 
midlifeflyer said:
If it is for your AGI, I'd take the time to relearn the manual computer. The only time I've used one since I got my private in 1990 has been while teaching. Not because I care whether the student uses one or not, but because the wind side is a great visual illustration of a wind triangle and how wind affects both heading and airspeed.
Click to expand...

If you go to a laser grade testing center they have a really easy and good onscreen e6b calculator

CATS basically had a windows calculator as I recall
 
The ASA CX-3 flight computer is well worth the money. I used mine for IRA, CAX, IGI, AGI and CFI written exams. With all the features it provides I find it way underpriced plus the simplicity of it is remarkable.
 
Jamie696 said:
The ASA CX-3 flight computer is well worth the money. I used mine for IRA, ...
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They did love their wind correction angles

lotfi_morteza20110426050431340.jpg
 
MD11Pilot said:
In the midst of relearning a lifetime of aviation knowledge and for the first time in thirty plus years, I need to use a computer of some type. I have an old CR-3 but honestly just don’t want to dig through all of the complexity of the multiple layers. Studying for my AGI now. Some of the students I work with use the Sporty’s Electronic version and some use the old E6-B with the slider.

What is the general consensus amongst you youngsters? Electronic or manual?

Anyone have a newer one they don’t want?

In the Austin TX area.
Click to expand...

Get the mechanical one because it is cheap, because you will never use it again after the checkride. The only time you need an accurate wind correction angle is if you are flying in IMC by dead reckoning. I suppose such a situation could happen. In every other practical situation you can estimate the heading based on the forecast winds, and then cross check your heading against the visual ground track, VOR or a GPS.
 
I'd skip both. Maybe a mechanical one to teach WCA's if you really want to. ive never used one after my private and i never bothered teaching my students to use it.
 
Stick with the CR-3! I just bought a new one after 40 years of using the old Jeppesen model. It was all I ever needed and it requires no batteries...

I always thought the slide on an E6B was for spreading glue on maps....
 
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