On 2008-01-03, Chris L wrote:
Is the electronic one better than the E6B manual flight computer. When
is one better than the other. I now have both. Do you have any
recommendations on using them.

These are just a few thoughts from teaching and use in the air over the
years and may be of some value.

For precision, the electronic is, of course, better. But then, how much
precision do you need in the current task? That, perhaps, may determine when
to use each. The electronic version includes a calculator which may come in
handy for uses other than normal flying calculations. And it may also
contain other functions which you may find useful.

Wind correction problems for cross country, for example, would be a toss,
other than increased precision in headings, etc. It may be easier to spot
errors in entry in the E6B since once you push a wrong button on the
elctronic, that error disappears and you must back track, if you even
detected the error.

Practically speaking, for calculations while flying, such as time/distance,
fuel usage, ETA, etc., the E6B is easier and faster to use in the cockpit
and can be done with actually one hand. (You can spin the inner dial while
holding with the same hand.) It actually requires less attention and could
even be held up near eye level so you could alternate attention between
outside (for traffic) and E6B once you become proficient in using it.

Another point is that in rough air, punching buttons becomes increasingly
difficult and can be prone to errors with the electronic version and
requires an increased amount of attention while using.

Planning time before the trip seems the ideal time to use the electronic.

Oh, and don't forget that you _never_ have battery problems with the E6B.

....Edwin
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"Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes
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return."-da Vinci http://bellsouthpwp2.net/e/d/edwinljohnson