Top 5 Flight Computers Every Pilot Needs in 2025

Whether you’re doing quick fuel calculations or complex navigation planning, having a reliable flight computer is essential. Whether you’re just starting your journey to become a pilot or already flying, these tools are critical for passing FAA exams and planning real-world missions. Here are the top flight computers pilots trust in 2025.

1. ASA CX-3 Flight Computer

The most popular electronic flight computer among students and professionals. The CX-3 is the gold standard for digital aviation calculations and is approved for all FAA written exams.

Features:

• 34 aviation functions including wind correction, fuel planning, and pressure altitude
• FAA test approved for written knowledge exams
• Weather calculations and density altitude functions
• Conversions, timers, and stopwatch
• Illuminated display for night operations
• Aircraft profiles for storing common aircraft data

Best For: Student pilots preparing for FAA exams, instrument students, and pilots who prefer digital calculations.

2. Sporty’s E6B Electronic Flight Computer

Trusted by over 250,000 pilots worldwide, Sporty’s Electronic E6B combines the familiar E6B layout with modern electronic convenience. Perfect for pilots transitioning from manual to electronic computers.

Features:

• Traditional E6B layout with intuitive button placement
• Quick access buttons for common calculations
• Weight & balance functions with CG calculations
• Long battery life (1000+ hours on two AA batteries)
• FAA approved for all pilot knowledge tests
• Includes protective case

Best For: Pilots who learned on manual E6Bs and want electronic speed, budget-conscious students, and backup computer for the flight bag.

3. ASA E6B Metal Flight Computer

The classic mechanical flight computer that has trained generations of pilots. This metal version features color-coded scales for easy readability and will never need batteries.

Features:

• Durable metal construction for long-lasting use
• Color-coded scales reduce calculation errors
• Wind correction calculations on rotating slide
• Time, speed, distance, and fuel burn functions
• FAA test approved – no battery or electronic restrictions
• Includes instruction booklet and protective vinyl case

Best For: Pilots who prefer mechanical reliability, students learning fundamental navigation concepts, and as a bulletproof backup that never fails.

4. Jeppesen CR-3 Circular Computer

Preferred by professional pilots and navigators for over 50 years, the Jeppesen CR-3 offers rugged construction and can handle advanced calculations including polar grid navigation.

Features:

• Scratch-resistant plastic construction (6″ diameter)
• All standard E6B calculations plus advanced features
• Wind triangle solutions with rotating wind face
• Polar grid navigation and pressure pattern flying
• Larger size provides improved accuracy
• Used by airline pilots and military navigators

Best For: Professional pilots, advanced students, and anyone needing more precision than standard E6B models provide.

5. EntireFlight E6B Flight Computer Box Set

A complete flight training package designed by active pilots. This kit includes everything a student pilot needs: E6B computer, aviation plotter, guidebook, and protective case.

Features:

• Complete flight training kit in one package
• Mechanical E6B for all standard aviation calculations
• Rotating aviation plotter compatible with sectional charts
• Printed guidebook with calculation examples
• Padded storage case protects all components
• Trusted by CFIs and student pilots nationwide

Best For: Student pilots just starting training, gift for aspiring pilots, and anyone needing a complete navigation toolset.

Quick Comparison Table

Which Should You Choose?

For student pilots preparing for FAA exams: The ASA CX-3 is the best choice. It’s approved for all FAA written tests and handles complex calculations quickly, which is crucial when you’re under time pressure during exams.

For budget-conscious students: Either the Sporty’s Electronic E6B (if you prefer electronic) or the EntireFlight Box Set (if you need a plotter and case too) offer excellent value.

For professional and airline pilots: Many prefer the Jeppesen CR-3 for its proven durability and precision. The larger size makes it easier to read and reduces calculation errors.

For pilots who want a reliable backup: Keep an ASA E6B Metal in your flight bag. It never needs batteries, works in any weather, and provides peace of mind if electronics fail.

My recommendation: Own both electronic and mechanical. Use the CX-3 for daily flight planning and checkride prep, but keep a metal E6B as backup. This gives you redundancy and ensures you understand the fundamentals behind the calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use an electronic flight computer on my FAA written exam?
A: Yes, both the ASA CX-3 and Sporty’s Electronic E6B are FAA-approved for use on all pilot knowledge tests. However, you cannot use smartphone apps during exams.

Q: Do I still need to learn the manual E6B?
A: Most flight instructors recommend learning manual calculations first to understand the underlying concepts. This is especially true during formal pilot training programs where you’ll be tested on fundamentals. Once you understand how the math works, electronic computers become powerful tools rather than mysterious black boxes.

Q: What’s the difference between E6B and CR-3 style computers?
A: Both solve the same problems but use slightly different layouts. E6B-style computers are more common in the US, while CR-style computers are popular with professional pilots who appreciate the larger size and advanced features.

Q: How long do electronic flight computers last?
A: With proper care, electronic flight computers can last 10+ years. The CX-3 and Sporty’s E6B both have excellent battery life (hundreds to thousands of hours), and replacement batteries are inexpensive.

Final Thoughts

A quality flight computer is an investment in your aviation career. Whether you’re a student pilot working toward your private certificate or wondering how long it takes to become a military pilot, having the right calculation tools makes flight planning faster, more accurate, and less stressful.

While modern avionics and EFBs (Electronic Flight Bags) handle many calculations automatically, understanding how to use a flight computer remains an essential pilot skill taught in training—and a requirement for certification.

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