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E6B flight computers and plotters for every pilot

An E6B flight computer is the FAA-legal tool that handles core flight-planning math: groundspeed and time en route, fuel burn, true airspeed, wind correction angle, and density altitude. Pilot Mall stocks mechanical slide-rule E6Bs, electronic models, and the VFR plotters that complete a navigation-log workflow, from trusted brands including ASA and Jeppesen.

Compare popular flight computers at a glance

Model Type Best for
ASA E6B Paper Flight Computer Mechanical (paper) Lowest-cost starter for students
ASA Premium Aluminum E6B Mechanical (metal) Durable everyday flight-bag unit
Jeppesen Metal E6-B (CSG) Mechanical (metal) Pilots who learned on the Jeppesen layout
ASA CX-3 Flight Computer Electronic Faster cross-country planning, FAA test approved
ASA Rotating Plotter Plotter Measuring course and distance on a sectional

Types of flight computers

Manual (mechanical) E6B

A manual slide-rule E6B never needs batteries, cannot fail on test day, and forces you to understand the relationships behind each answer, which is why most CFIs recommend a student own one first. The ASA paper E6B is the low-cost entry point, while the aluminum ASA E6B and the Jeppesen metal E6-B add durability that survives years in a flight bag. A round-window circular E6B is a compact alternative.

Electronic E6B

An electronic E6B solves the same problems faster with fewer steps, which helps once you are flying real cross-countries. The ASA CX-3 is accepted on FAA knowledge tests and adds timer, clock, and unit-conversion functions.

Plotters

Pilotage and dead-reckoning planning need a plotter to measure course and distance on a sectional chart. The ASA rotating plotter pairs with any E6B to complete a VFR nav-log workflow.

How to choose the right flight computer

  • Start with a manual E6B. Examiners often expect you to demonstrate the manual unit, so most students buy a mechanical model first and add electronics later.
  • Decide mechanical or electronic. Mechanical units are battery-free and inexpensive; electronic units like the CX-3 are faster and reduce steps on long cross-countries.
  • Match the layout you train on. ASA and Jeppesen E6Bs read slightly differently, so pick the one your instructor and study materials use.
  • Add a plotter. A rotating plotter completes the VFR planning kit and is needed for course and distance measurement on sectionals.

Building out the rest of your kit? Browse cockpit supplies, kneeboards, test preparation materials, and private pilot training materials. Going digital too? See our iPad and tablet accessories for pilots.

Why buy from Pilot Mall

  • Aviation-only focus: every product is chosen for pilots, not a general catalog.
  • Trusted for 25+ years by student, private, and professional pilots.
  • Free U.S. shipping on orders over $100.
  • Expert guidance from a team that flies and knows the gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an E6B required for the FAA knowledge test and checkride?

Yes. An E6B flight computer is required equipment for the FAA knowledge test and the practical test, so student pilots should buy one early and practice with it often, and many examiners expect a demonstration of the manual unit even if you also carry an electronic one.

Should I buy a mechanical or electronic E6B?

Most pilots start with a mechanical slide-rule E6B because it is inexpensive, battery-free, and teaches the underlying relationships, then add an electronic model such as the ASA CX-3 for faster calculations once they are flying real cross-country trips.

Why do pilots still prefer manual flight computers?

Pilots value manual E6Bs because they are reliable, battery-free, and lightweight, which makes them dependable backups that never fail on test day or in the cockpit.

What does an E6B flight computer calculate?

An E6B calculates groundspeed and time en route, fuel burn, true airspeed, wind correction angle, and density altitude, along with unit conversions, covering the core navigation math used in VFR flight planning.

Do I need a plotter in addition to an E6B?

Yes. A plotter measures true course and distance on a sectional chart, which an E6B does not do, so pairing a rotating plotter with your E6B completes a full VFR navigation-log workflow.