Glad to see that at least a couple of others like to do it the
hands-on way. ((:-))

Of course, it's great to blow the dust off the E-6B once in a while!

One of my friends just got into flying. I took him to the neighborhood
pilot shop (@ PAO), and oriented him with the things he might need,
including the E-6B.

I wonder what people mean, today, when they say "E-6B." Are they
talking about the old faithful hand-powered "whizz-wheel," or one of
those outrageously priced battery-powered jobs?

With a little experience, calculating-- or really, guesstimating--
wind correction angle (unless one is planning to cross the Atlantic
Ocean) requires nothing more than a recollection of high-school trig.

Recall, for example, the characteristics of a 60-30 right triangle.
That will give you the WCA for the stiffest crosswind you are ever
likely to encounter. Interpolation will give you the WCA for lighter
winds, with sufficient accuracy for flying two- or three-hour legs in
a typical GA airplane, using pilotage to fine tune the heading.

vince norris