Can you use electronic flight computer on FAA exam

I just re read my last post and I think I might be coming across as a jerk. Let me clarify what i am trying to say.

There is nothing wrong with using an electronic E6B, I have one on my palm and use it regularly. But it is my opinion that to have the attitude that you dont need to learn how to use a mechanical one because "I will carry spare batteries" or the "GPS does it for me" or "thats ancient technology" is a hazardous attitude. Personally I prefer to plan as though everything that can go wrong, will go wrong (murphy?). Batteries die, GPS loses signal, etc... I carry extra batteries for my handheld GPS and just last week, my batteries died and I pulled out a fresh pair from my flight bag and guess what, those were dead too; I think the cold killed them. But fortunaltely I had planned my flight using visual landmarks with timed legs between (using that mechanical E6B) and continued on uneventfully. I have had a Garmin 430 wink out with no warning. What I am saying is technology is great, it makes stuff a lot easier, but the archaic stuff has been working for decades and will work for decades to come.
 
What happens if your E6B falls apart? And what happened to common sense, taking time over two points on a sectional, doing the math in your head and figuring out your ground speed that way? I mean sure a slide rule can help, but I guess I also figure that if you really have THAT many things go wrong on a flight (an electrical failure, your GPS fails, then your batteries die) you should probably be getting the hint that somebody is telling you to land at the nearest availible airport eh?

Not trying to argue, just saying that anything can fail and when it comes down to it you shouldn't be relying on electronics or a mechanical E6B that your brain can do a lot more than people give it credit for.
 
jtrain609 said:
What happens if your E6B falls apart? And what happened to common sense, taking time over two points on a sectional, doing the math in your head and figuring out your ground speed that way? I mean sure a slide rule can help, but I guess I also figure that if you really have THAT many things go wrong on a flight (an electrical failure, your GPS fails, then your batteries die) you should probably be getting the hint that somebody is telling you to land at the nearest availible airport eh?

Not trying to argue, just saying that anything can fail and when it comes down to it you shouldn't be relying on electronics or a mechanical E6B that your brain can do a lot more than people give it credit for.
Click to expand...
Total agreement there. You cant rely on anything but yourself.
 
bdhill1979 said:
I just re read my last post and I think I might be coming across as a jerk. Let me clarify what i am trying to say.

There is nothing wrong with using an electronic E6B, I have one on my palm and use it regularly. But it is my opinion that to have the attitude that you dont need to learn how to use a mechanical one because "I will carry spare batteries" or the "GPS does it for me" or "thats ancient technology" is a hazardous attitude. Personally I prefer to plan as though everything that can go wrong, will go wrong (murphy?). Batteries die, GPS loses signal, etc... I carry extra batteries for my handheld GPS and just last week, my batteries died and I pulled out a fresh pair from my flight bag and guess what, those were dead too; I think the cold killed them. But fortunaltely I had planned my flight using visual landmarks with timed legs between (using that mechanical E6B) and continued on uneventfully. I have had a Garmin 430 wink out with no warning. What I am saying is technology is great, it makes stuff a lot easier, but the archaic stuff has been working for decades and will work for decades to come.
Click to expand...

I’m not saying that you don’t need to learn how to use a manual E6B, but truthfully who really uses it after getting licensed? Sure the 430 can loose signal, can stop working or whatever, but unless the variables have changed significantly since you did your pre-flight planning there really is no need for an E6B. You should be able to recalculate using your head and maybe some longhand math. I’m just saying that besides my check-ride(s) I’ve never had to use an E6B in-flight. I think the only situation where I would become concerned would be if I was seriously, which is probably not a good idea anyway, trying to stretch a flight to the endurance limits of the aircraft. So far every airplane I have ever flown has required a bathroom break which usually includes fuel…
 
I used to use the E6B a lot when doing aerial survey stuff.

5+ hour legs in a 172 with changing winds etc.. along the way made it helpful in doing all the things it supposed to.

double check TAS, GS, Fuel Burn, Time to the next checkpoint, gallons to lbs, crosswind component, etc...

I guess FMS's and GPS take the place of the E6B for the most part but its still a usefull skill and for the most part quicker than having to plug in all the info into a FMS/GPS
 
I bought an electronic E6B after 2 lessons learning how to use the mechanical one. Since getting my Private I have yet to use any E6B.
 
Thought I would revive this. Went in today to take the ATP with PSI aka Laser Grade and they said I was NOT allowed to use the electronic E6B. Wasn't a big deal since they have one on their computer, but the one thing it wouldn't convert was mb to flight levels(used on one of the wind questions) anyone else had similar results at PSI?
 
I've never used an electronic E6B, and I find typically some rough mental math works just as well as the whiz wheel in most cases. The mechanical E6B is really a no brainer though. I highly recommend anyone who has never tried it to try it out.
 
NASA sent men to the moon using a slide rule and a pencil.

You can learn to use a mechanical E6B it takes a matter of minutes to master....
 
gulfstreampiper said:
Thought I would revive this. Went in today to take the ATP with PSI aka Laser Grade and they said I was NOT allowed to use the electronic E6B. Wasn't a big deal since they have one on their computer, but the one thing it wouldn't convert was mb to flight levels(used on one of the wind questions) anyone else had similar results at PSI?
Click to expand...
The proctor was an idiot. Call and complain to PSI.
 
jrh said:
Yes, you're allowed to use the electronic E6B on the written exam.

Also, I wouldn't worry about learning the mechanical version for your checkride--every examiner I've ever met has been fine with using the electronic version. To be honest, I'm a flight instructor and I don't have the slightest idea how to use the mechanical E6B. I've taken six checkrides for my own ratings, and sent several students for their checkrides, all without using the mechanical E6B. If you don't feel like learning it, don't waste your time.
Click to expand...
Glad I'm not the only one. Then again, I don't even remember the last time I used an E6B of any kind outside of instructing.
 
gulfstreampiper said:
Thought I would revive this. Went in today to take the ATP with PSI aka Laser Grade and they said I was NOT allowed to use the electronic E6B. Wasn't a big deal since they have one on their computer, but the one thing it wouldn't convert was mb to flight levels(used on one of the wind questions) anyone else had similar results at PSI?
Click to expand...
That proctor doesn't know the rules.
 
Fly_Unity said:
As a Lasar Grade proctor, there are certian electronic E6Bs we are not allowed to let the applicant use.
Click to expand...
Oh yeah...something to do with stored memory or something. Though, most of the standard ones like Sporty's are fine, right?
 
Does anyone teach "Pilot Math?"

I teach how to quickly estimate time using 90 & 120 kts as references and how to easily calculate fuel burn.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top