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Old July 27th 07, 02:59 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Mark T. Dame
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Posts: 67
Default Whats best? Manual E6B or Electronic?

wrote:

Whats best for simplicity and price? The Metal/Plastic E6B or the
electronic one?


If you can only get one, I would recommend a small metal E6B (e.g.
http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/523).

The electronic version is much easier to use, but the metal one always
works. It's unlikely it will ever break and it's batteries will never
run down. Additionally, for some problems, you get a better idea of
what's going on with a mechanical version.

The mechanical versions run about US$25 for a decent one (there are
cheaper ones, but don't waste your money).

The electronic versions run about US$75 for a good one. And if you're
going to spend the money on an electronic version, spend it on a good
one that you'll be happy with.

The electronic version will also be more accurate, but don't let that
fool you. It won't make your flight any more accurate. Factors like
inaccurate winds aloft forecasts or measuring error when laying out your
course on the sectional add a lot more error than the small amount of
error you will get from trying to read between the marks on the E6B. So
don't let that be a factor in your decision making.


-m
--
## Mark T. Dame
## CP-ASEL-IA, CFI-A, AGI
## insert tail number here
## KHAO, KISZ
"Software Independent: Won't work with any software."