ASA Color E6B Flight Computer
Quick take
The ASA Color E6B Flight Computer combines the familiar slide-rule style with color-coded scales to make common flight planning calculations, especially wind triangle work, faster to set up and easier to read. It is a strong fit for student pilots and ground instructors who want an intuitive mechanical tool, but it is not an “electronic calculator,” so it requires learning the dial-and-scale workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Color-coded scales are designed to improve readability during planning (rate, weight/volume, distance/time/temperature, and wind corrections).
- Solid aluminum, metal enclosure construction supports everyday durability expectations.
- Smooth, precise dial movement and confidence in alignment are repeatedly mentioned by buyers.
- Includes a vinyl case and instruction booklet for learning and portability.
Cons
- Mechanical E6B operation takes practice if you are used to electronic flight computers.
- No named batteries or battery type are specified in the core listing details, so plan around the “nonstandard battery” note.
- Best results depend on using the correct scales and interpreting the color-coded areas correctly, which can be a learning curve for new students.
What buyers think
Buyer feedback highlights three consistent themes: readability, durability, and ease of use. Many buyers describe the unit as solid and very legible, with the color accents making the scales easier to interpret quickly. Several comments also emphasize smooth mechanical operation and a dial that does not feel loose, which contributes to confidence in accuracy during planning. For student pilots and instructors, the mechanical E6B workflow is often framed as a useful way to build understanding of relationships between variables, not just to get numbers. Overall, buyer-review evidence supports that this model’s color-coding and build quality make it a dependable classroom and cockpit-adjacent tool.
What the ASA Color E6B is designed to do
This ASA flight computer is built around the classic E6B slide-rule approach, aimed at helping you perform common navigation and planning calculations without relying on a screen. Based on its scale layout, you can use it for wind triangle-related tasks, unit conversions, and frequent “how fast, how long, how much” style calculations used in flight planning. It also includes temperature and density-related computation references to support those planning workflows.
Key features that matter in real use
Color-coded scales for faster setup
The circular side uses distinct colors to separate different types of quantities so you can more quickly identify what each part of the dial is meant for. The wind side is also color-coded to correspond with wind correction direction, helping you move from “find the wind correction angle” to “apply the correct side” with less visual searching.
Mechanical slide-rule workflow, built into a durable metal tool
Several buyers mention solid construction and a smooth dial feel with minimal play. If you plan to use your E6B repeatedly for training, that combination matters, because it makes it easier to set the values repeatedly and reduces distraction when you are in the middle of a planning session.
Built for both students and experienced pilots
The included instruction booklet and case make it easier to learn and keep the tool organized. Buyer comments also suggest instructors and students like the way a mechanical E6B supports conceptual understanding, not only numeric output.
Pros and cons (expanded)
When it’s a great fit
- Student pilots: You want a straightforward way to practice flight planning calculations, especially wind-related work, and you value readable scales while you learn.
- Flight instructors and ground instructors: You prefer teaching the relationships among variables using a physical tool rather than a fully electronic input-output approach.
- Anyone who wants durability: A solid metal enclosure and strong mechanical feel are repeatedly called out as positives by buyers.
When you might want a different approach
- If you strongly prefer electronic speed: An E6B still requires aligning scales and reading results. If that workflow frustrates you, you may prefer a more direct electronic alternative.
- If battery details are important for you: The listing notes “nonstandard battery batteries required.” Make sure you are comfortable sourcing the correct battery type for your use case.
How to decide if it is worth it
Choose the ASA Color E6B if your top priorities are (1) easy-to-read scales through color coding, (2) dependable mechanical operation for repeated practice, and (3) a learning-friendly flight planning tool you can keep in your case. If your priority is “enter data, get results instantly,” then a mechanical slide-rule E6B may feel slower than what you want, even if it is very capable.
Alternatives to consider (by your priorities)
- Electronic flight computer instead of a mechanical E6B: Consider this if you want faster input-driven calculations, especially when workload is high and you do not want to align scales.
- Standard monochrome E6B models: These can be a lower-friction choice if you already know how to read E6B scales quickly. However, you would be trading away the color-coded separation that many buyers value here.
- Higher-end mechanical navigation tools: If you want a premium build with similar mechanical philosophy, compare based on dial smoothness, scale legibility, and portability, not just the brand name.
Price and availability
The current price is available via the live listing. Inventory can change quickly, so it helps to check the latest availability before you plan around it.
FAQ
Is the ASA Color E6B a mechanical flight computer or an electronic one?
It is a slide-rule-style mechanical E6B. Even though it is described as having a power source, the core workflow is dial alignment and reading scales rather than entering values into a fully electronic interface.
What calculations can I do with this E6B?
It is intended for common flight planning calculations such as wind triangle work, unit conversions, and routine computations related to speed, flight time, and related planning references like temperature and density.
Does the color coding actually help?
Buyer feedback repeatedly points to easier readability and faster identification of the correct scales, including wind correction direction. If you are learning the workflow, the color separation is a practical advantage.
Is it good for flight training?
Reviews suggest it works well for student pilots and ground instruction because it encourages learning the relationships between variables while practicing planning calculations.
What comes in the box?
The tool comes with a vinyl case and an instruction booklet.
What should I know about batteries?
The listing notes “nonstandard battery batteries required.” If battery sourcing is a concern for you, confirm the correct battery requirement before purchase and keep a spare if you plan to use it frequently.
Specifications
| Product Title | ASA Color E6B Flight Computer |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Aviation Electronics > Aircraft Accessories |
| Brand | ASA |
| Manufacturer | ASA |
| Model Name | ASA's Color |
| Model Number | ASA-E6B-COLOR |
| Color | Red |
| Item Weight | 0.6 Pounds |
| Calculator Type | Aviation Slide-Rule |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Screen Size | 2.44 Inches |
| Number of Batteries | Nonstandard Battery batteries required. |
| Display Type | Analog |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
| Item Dimensions L x W | 9.75"L x 5"W |
| UPC | 792745073776 855734008392 752397172531 729587234492 033583001867 |
| Mfr Part Number | ASA-E6B-COLOR |
| Warranty Description | 5 Year |
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