[Bumblebee]

Originally Posted by FrankiegPilot

Ok now two things.
I asked my instructor about just turning to the general direction first, and then working out the calculations, and he didn't agree. He told me to just get the correct calculation before hand because i'm going to have to do it anyways, and then turn to it which doesn't make sense because then I asked him how I would get my GS using the e6b while in the air? His response was forget about the e6b, just use a compass rose for the heading, measure the distance with your fingers, I assume calculate time with how many miles it would be, and then figure out my gallons burned by knowing that if you burn 6 gallons an hour, or 1.5 every I think 15 min or 30 min somthin like that, then you dont need a e6b, it would just slow you down. ??? Ok but not turning to your alternate airport right away would also slow me down I was thinking but whatever, I didn't say anything.

Then I asked him ok, how would I get my GS in the air with the e6b? He said "forget about the GS for wind correction. In a real emergency no one is going to have time to figure out the wind corrections. Just know what the winds aloft is for the region, and know you will either have a tail wind , head wind, or no wind change depending on which direction I turn to".
So what do you guys think?? I feel good about using the plotter or the e6b during a diversion. Should I listen to my instructor on this one or just do what works best for me? Do you guys agree with what he is saying?
Let me know please.
One more thing, how would you calcuate your ground speed in the air with the e6b ?? I'm a little confused because the headings are already magnetic, so do I just add 13 to my true heading or just subtract 13 to my wind correction or????

Your instructor may know what theis particular DPE wants . . . but in a real emergency remember, "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast".

Initially get the turn in so you are heading in the general direction towards a safe place to land. Remember that at 120 kts you are going 1 mile away from safety every 30 seconds that you do not turn towards the diversion airport. (Imagine it taking 20 seconds to get the accurate heading to the airport and coming up short by a 1/2 mile! )

Then prioritize and work the problem. (Aviate, Navigate, Communicate)Use the time you have to fix the problem, evaluate the solution and gain as much information about your current situation as possible. If you can demonstrate these abilities, you will pass your checkride. Good Luck, let us know how it goes.