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I got familiar with a slide rule when I studied for my pilot's license, through the "E6B flight computer"[1]. This is essentially a slide rule for specialised c
by tr352 8y ago
I got familiar with a slide rule when I studied for my pilot's license, through the "E6B flight computer"[1]. This is essentially a slide rule for specialised calculations (knots-km/h, gallons-litres, density altitude, etc). The E6B is still a mandatory piece of equipment for student pilots but generally regarded as outdated, even by instructors.
As an early millennial I'd never ran into this 17th century marvel called slide rule. When I asked the instructor how it works (rather than how to use it) he answered along the lines of "don't ask, it just does".
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E6B https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E6B
- pc86 8y agoI got largely the same answer during my PPL. For my check ride the DPE just wanted to make sure I knew how to use it for one simple calculation (estimating fuel remaining after a diversion) then we just used the figures in ForeFlight for the rest of the ride.
- dbcurtis 8y agoIs this the device referred to as the “circular prayer wheel”?
- skykooler 8y agoI think the E6B contradicts the article's assertion that the last slide rule in the US was made in 1976; when I was taking flying lessons a few years ago, I was required to buy a new E6B, and I doubt that was from some massive overstock in the 70's.
- tr352 8y agoTrue. ASA still makes them but I suppose the only reason they're still made is that it's been considered standard classroom equipment for the past 70 years, combined with the well known universal dislike for change in the aviation world. I don't know anyone who kept using the E6B after getting licensed.