Hi everyone,
Quick question heading up towards FAA exams. Even though I’m comfortable using the manual E6-B that was provided in my ATP bundle, would you recommend getting an electronic one before exam dates (to get used to functionality), and especially for time’s sake and double checking for my FAA written exams? Chris (mentor), I read your post from 18’ saying you recommend getting one in addition to the manual one. I am glad though that I learned on the manual though, as it is necessary knowledge, in case no electronic availability and for practical tests. Second, as far as specific electronic flight computers go, anyone have a recommendation between Sporty’s and ASA’s? Sporty’s is a bit cheaper, but ASA’s does get the best reviews, and seeing how I’ll own it forever and use it often, the difference in price doesn’t bother me. Thank you!
Chase,
If you don’t mind spending extra money it would help check your work on the written exams. But know that during checkrides, some examiners won’t allow you to use an electronic one. I never got one and most students don’t and don’t have issues. Up to you though! If you chose to get one, I’d at least go the cheaper route as you won’t use it much outside of private/commercial and potentially CFI.
You may end up using it as an instructor to help check Your students work but other than that I don’t see much use for it past the writtens.
Obviously we have different opinions on the subject but I’ll tell you what I’ve learned. There’s nothing wrong with easy. No examiner is going to give you points for doing things the hard way. While there may be an examiner or 2 out there who will want to see your whiz-wheel skills, the majority will not. Good pilots use ALL available resources.
In short the electronic E6-Bs are great. I still have a 20+ year old Sporty’s and it has served me very well.
I am a big fan of the electronic flight computers. It is important to know how to use the old E6B, but they are certainly not as accurate and are more difficult and time consuming to use. Especially on the written exams, there is no need to do things the old fashion way.
I am getting ready for the exams, I can use an electronic flight computer? I thought I read somewhere that for the written the FAA only allows the old E6B. Also do you really only get 1 sheet of scrap paper?
It’s been a while but I think you can receive more than one sheet? Regardless you can definitely use the electronic E6B, it just can’t be an app on your phone.
The electronic E6B is fine, but I would suggest staying proficient with the manual E6B as well. I see it far too many times where commercial or CFI students forget how use it. Assuming you plan on instructing, you’ll need to teach it at some point.
Chris,
Which type of problems… if any, did the electronic flight computer NOT help with? Just curious to the extent of what they can/cannot do for pilot problem solving.
I remember using the electronic flight computer on anything that required a computation. I believe it has a basic calculator function as well. I never touched the E6B during any of my written exams.