Flight computers

[Guest burbles1]

I'll be starting x/c endorsement training soon, and I'm looking for a decent flight computer. Problem is, I'm confused with which model to get - the adverts all say "the ideal for student pilots", or "has everything you need". I'd like a reasonably robust one (plastic?) but the pricing varies so much I don't want to spend $$$ on something I won't use.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Dave

 

 

[flying dog]

I uploaded a spreadsheet to do flight planning.

 

It covers the whole of Oz and has most/all ERSA waypoints.

 

You will need EXCEL. Sorry it doesn't work in Open Office.

 

I would be interested in your thoughts.

 

 

[GraemeK]

I presume you're talking the "whiz wheel" type of thing?

 

I got a Jeppesen E6B so I could work through the exercises in the books although I'm not sure whether I would really use it in practice. Then again, I grew up on slide rules before calculators were invented, so it's kinda second nature I guess.

 

I've also got the Niborex Electronic version for my PDA which is quite useful.

 

 

[Guest Brett Campany]

Hi Dave, any classic E6B will be good, get the metal one, easy to read while in flight. There's a number of good digital flight computers as well but you can't take those into your exam.

 

You can get one here

 

Aviation Pilot Supplies Shop | Flight Gear | Aircraft Instruments - For Pilots :: Navigation Tools & Aids :: E6-B Metal Nav Computer

 

Well worth the cash!

 

After the exam, you can use just about anything but it always pays to double check your figures on an E6B and by doing it all manually.

 

 

[Guest burbles1]

Thanks for the suggestions - I'll check out the E6B.

 

 

[mAgNeToDrOp]

Agreed E6B would be good, easy to use one handed in flight and once you get used to it its lightning fast, electronic ones need 2 hands generally and are slower, and they need batteries...

 

 

[Guest Mad Dave]

If you get a plastic one, don't leave it in your car on a hot day, or you will be shopping for a new one!

 

 

[Guest drizzt1978]

E6B - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Very interesting reading, id go for all metal, thats what i have, if you ever land on a james bond type island with bad guys, you could probably throw it at somebody...............

 

 

[Bidgee]

Get the full size metal E6B. The small ones are tough to read when it gets lumpy.

 

Scott

 

 

[flying dog]

Try this site for wind calcs...

 

Flight Computer

 

 

[dazza 38]

I use the jeppson CR-2 computer, main reason is because it fits in my top shirt pocket. I have the metal one as well (you know the one, the american one made in korea ha,ha). I find it is to bulky to use in the aeroplane. Cheers

 

 

[Ultralights]

Get the BIGGEST one you can. you will be a LOT more accurate in your calculations. and a smaller one for in aircraft use, (or a electronic one like i use)