Use the ASA CX-3 to ace the FAA Private Written Exam

ASA CX-3, the electronic E6B flight computer, is a great tool that can legally be used during the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam. In this video, I will show you how to use the CX-3 to solve some of the questions such as pressure altitude and density altitude, wind components, wind correction angles, true course, calibrated airspeed, true airspeed, standard atmosphere, and cloud base.
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[@robrobinette]

For the complex questions near the end of the video I like to use the "Plan" menu and put the data into Leg 1. Enter the given values and it calculates your answer. No switching from "Wind Correction" to "Ground Speed".

[@StuntmanJake]

This is an excellent tip! I am so glad I read your comment!

[@tim9233]

Huge time saver

[@sujimichi]

Insanely helpful tip!

[@eliyahkaz]

when using `PLAN` what would you use for TAS? and Var?

[@tim9233]

@@eliyahkaz TAS is going to be found in you POH or AFM according to your altitude and cruising RPM. It's not something that you come up with on your own. Var is the angle between true north and magnetic north. It's the red line that you see on your sectional. The closest red line is the one you'll use. Don't forget: east is least (minus) west is best (add)

[@jeffersonsteeflex2364]

Legitimately the most useful video I've seen for FAA Written test prep. You just made my life 1000x times easier

[@FlyingJournalism]

Saw this as an ad!👍👍🍹

[@kriswalsh4668]

100 true percent agree!!

[@assimmaxime]

Ouiiiiii me too im feeling so light then

[@jessellevaldes2838]

This video is fantastic! If you just got the CX-3 this should be the first video you watch to not only familiarize yourself, but make life easier for test prep overall.

[@dmaeroflyer9279]

I just bought the CX3 and found your videos. Wow! Great videos.

[@haroldlocay3946]

Time in route : when you do that calculation (PLAN, leg 1) then in the same window scroll down when done entering the data and you will find ETE answer. So no need to take GS and go to another window to get time in route

[@cn9936]

I just started ground school and I’m shopping for an E6B, this video was incredibly helpful and showed how simple it makes the calculations. Thank you!

[@Almostth3R]

Hey man, I have to tell you this video was awesome. I purchased the EX3 and the Sportys e6b because I wasn’t sure which was easiest to navigate and the video did it for me. It not only opened my eyes but it got my brain back into learning mode. It’s a no brainer as to which one I’m taking into my private pilot exam. Thank you for the clarity.

[@mikestemig]

I had just bought this calculator based on a recommendation from my flight instructor, and your video was awesome for helping me prep. Your tutorial was terrific and will help my efficiency on the test. Thank you!

[@MatthewPearon]

This video demonstrated the CX-3 very well, demonstrating how to break the more complex equations into simpler operations.

[@joeyclyburn]

Thank you for not doing one of those drawn out introductions you got right to the point and didn't waste a single second of this video, so helpful. thank you!

[@Ford886]

This video is the best. I passed my private pilot airplane knowledge test with flying colors. Greg thank you

[@PilotInstitute]

Outstanding Henok! Glad I could be a part of your journey to becoming a pilot.

[@diegoblancogiusti2389]

Sir this video is actually the MOST helpful aviation video I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for doing it and making our life easier in how take advantage of our CX3. Cheers !!!

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

Wow, thank you so much Diego!! Glad we could help.

[@persatx3748]

@@PilotInstituteAirplanes is that may use during the exam faa?

[@PilotInstitute]

@@persatx3748 Yes it is allowed during the exam.

[@martygenska8117]

Just got my CX-3; enjoyed the video. I'm about 50% thru on the PP course, so now I want to go back and check all my calculations in previous lessons with the new CX-3 and my notes.

[@Justin-ny8df]

My CX-3 hasn't come in yet, but just watching you solve these makes me EXCITED for it to arrive. I have been using my mechanical E6b and I'm excited to upgrade to a quicker way (especially since they took 30 minutes off of the Written).

[@StuntmanJake]

Excellent. I am SO glad I finally got my hands on the CX3. I love it.

[@abacojack13]

Awesome Video Im taking my Written Exam tomorrow and this is really going to help. I struggled with these types of problems on the practice test. Now Im Ace-ing them all.

[@kevinbell7351]

I was struggling with the directions for my CX-3 now with your video ..it makes sense..Thank you so much for taking the time to show us how to utilize this.

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

You're very welcome, glad we could help make it easier!

[@agbelogodemaxwell2702]

This was an awesome video to use as source of learning for my PPL. Thank you and happy flying.

[@rolandstegner7743]

Thank you I suck at math and this will be a god send

[@gusalj6759]

I am student in your online school, thanks for this video (and all videos)... I purchased this calculator right after I saw the video in your school course, its useful device simplified the entire quizzes and tests ((BTW, I wish you move the video to the beginning of the course rather than the end similar to the other FAA written test tools video)) Thanks Greg for your great work

[@gusalj6759]

Passed the test with 88%.... This school and this calculator saved me time, money and increased my knowledge... Perfect.

[@IanHorsford]

It would be great if someone can post a video with Nav logs using the cx3😩

[@kyleanderson4589]

This took hours off of my study time! Thanks!

[@stevesayer4045]

Iv just getting a CX-3 Flight computer and it take a bit to get the hang of it. but this video as help me alot I think iv got to practors a bit more to get the hang of it. but thank you for this video it was a great help for me

[@mikesyl27]

I used the Plan function to get the 30 minutes answer for the last two of the last three questions. for ETA. Entered in all the data in the leg and then added the 2 minutes climb out to get the same answer.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Woah! This made my life easier!! Thank you so much!

[@iancranmer9595]

Amazing. This is exactly what I need!

[@davidkrisman9488]

Thank you for a GREAT tutorial!

[@ecb6014]

Thank you so much! Very helpful and very well explained!

[@jacobshirley7155]

THIS IS GOLD! Thank you SO MUCH!

[@DustinAbazi]

Fantastic video. I just bought this calculator. Can’t wait to give it a try.

[@crazyc99]

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING 💯

[@hugo-kikecastillomyfavorit7548]

Excelent tutorial, thanks.

[@vukizeka1]

Great explanation! Thanks

[@olgakearney1543]

Great explanations, very helpful!

[@adamlewis6597]

This helped tremendously. Thank you!

[@bobjamison1889]

Great walkthrough and well done.

[@nirmalpatel6578]

FYI You can use Memory / Calc as such - saves few more steps and makes it even faster. Eg. Tef ins from 30-50F @ 3000MSL - Goto FLT> Altitude > Enter PAlt = 3000; OAT=30 DAlt = 1767

[@ericehrhardt-yl6zd]

This was awesome! Thank you!

[@dudeshanghai]

Wow, I get it now. Thank you!

[@thomasmott8056]

This video is great!! I love the question examples, pausing to calculate, and being able to have an explanation right away to check my work. Just got my CX-3 and I was lost. Great starting point not only in how to use the machine, but also how to incorporate it on the exam. Thank you so much! Hopefully you will be able to create more videos like this one.

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

Thank you, Thomas. We did publish an additional CX3 video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5PcnXybftmCaLc

[@notredox2]

Nice video content! Apologies for chiming in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you ever tried - Rozardner Flying Bird Reality (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is an awesome one of a kind guide for how to get pilot license without the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my work buddy after many years got great success with it.

[@agstanki]

@Hashendra Hulangamuwa Yes, it is! :) I just bought one to use for my FAA knowledge exam. "It can be used on all FAA and Canadian pilot, mechanic, and dispatcher knowledge exams." (www.asa2fly.com/CX-3-Flight-Computer-P1969.aspx). I believe the FAA only specifies that you may not use a smartphone or tablet, but a CX-3 would be allowed.

[@Dub636]

fantastic explanation. THANK YOU

[@Bobby223boucher]

Awesome video!!! Thank you!!

[@aaronfarmer455]

Best video my friend, thank you!

[@CaptainLeo]

Great tutorial. A Tip: you don't need to go into calculator mode. Simply press - and M and it will delete the memory number from the currently highlighted number.

[@PilotInstitute]

Great tip, thanks for sharing!

[@dianaparra3736]

This is amazing explanation 👍👍👍👍 thank you very much 🙏

[@cfagan6562]

Outstanding! This lesson on the use of the CX-3 with great example problems could not have been better. I have watched it many times and worked through the problems - I could not have passed the FAA Knowledge Exam without it. I would really like to see a similar lesson for W&B using FAA KE example questions - as well as how to use the CX-3 W&B functions. Thank you very much!

[@PilotInstitute]

Thank you for the kind words. We actually have not found the CX-3 to be very efficient for solving the W&B. It's a lot of steps and easy to mess it up.

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

You'll be happy to hear we just released this video for the W&B: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKnHmYuBe9-LqNk

[@josephburton92]

This is an awesome video thank you so much!

[@assimmaxime]

Greg! Première bonne nouvelle de l'année. Je vien de commander en urgence ^^

[@naalhevia]

Excellent. Thank you

[@pilot3058]

Excellent thank you so much!!!

[@aman2029]

Very useful video! Thanks

[@frankiedee3122]

Hey Greg, I am definitely getting one tomorrow (Tuesday) from Amazon

[@riemer101]

great video! thank you

[@deeg4293]

Thank you for this tutorial - very helpful! I will say that I found it easier to use the Xwind component chart than the E6-B. 🤣I'd love an example of cloud base where the FAA uses MSL.

[@Bushmasterpilot]

Great stuff!

[@lostgriz]

Really helpful!

[@javierlora5377]

Great video

[@panthros7395]

Thank you so much!

[@israelcanada8969]

Amazing!!

[@andre97mir]

Thank you 🙇 so much

[@cn9936]

Nevermind I subscribed and just found it!

[@howardlynes1541]

Thanks!

[@richardweldon2062]

My opinion is it is better to master the pure manual device and become proficient in its use. The electronic devices are quick and very easy to use, but, the do rely on batteries, electronics which can fail. An E6B or, here in the UK a Crp1 calculator is quite easy to use. Just constant awareness of decimal places and it is a device that is guaranteed never to fail.

[@stephanemetellus4261]

Thank you so much this cx3 was driving me mad 😡 lol 😂

[@Shazaantaimoor]

Thank you for the mind blowing information i wanna become pilot 🤩🍷

[@aloha-rob]

Thank you

[@PandiTheBear]

You can do the more complex things in one step by putting them into PLAN as a leg.

[@rickr6016]

Nice Job...

[@jbrooks5763]

Underrated video!!

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

Thank Jbrooks! We just released it a few days ago so feel free to share it with more people!

[@Planeboy27]

Im currently studying for my exam, although i dont have any questions i just wanted to say thank you for being so willing to help all of us students out here. I can see that more than half of the students don't respond when you do to their question. Don't let that deter you man cause its a huge help for us to learn from someone like yourself

[@PilotInstitute]

Thank you for the kind words. We are going full forward helping as many students as possible.

[@Planeboy27]

​@@PilotInstitute are you able to determine the compass heading with use of cx-3? i don't own an old school flight computer

[@PilotInstitute]

@@Planeboy27 You can get from True course to Magnetic heading with the CX-3 and all you have to do is add the deviation (specific to each aircraft) to get to Compass Heading.

[@Planeboy27]

​@@PilotInstitute Thank you! faster response than my damn instructor (instructor still hasn't responded, sadly)

[@PilotInstitute]

@@Planeboy27 haha glad I could help!

[@aaronokimoore]

Thank you for making this video! I wanted to see which E6B would be helpful on the test, and this was such a great tutorial and shows how the CX-3 works for these. On a side note, a lot of the steps can be skipped with simple math so hope everyone doesn't rely too much on punching in the numbers.

[@Hhhhh12864]

can someone explain why on the wind component questions you assumed that the runway was north (runway 36 or 360) is there a word im missing or is it just basic knowledge.

[@Manish-jb4uy]

Can you please explain as how to use Rat: __:1 variable in Glide function? Also as how to enter the ILS 2 dot(0.35°) deflection on a 3° slope to be entered?

[@coleleiker4045]

Can you use the CX-3 to find magnetic heading?

[@israelcanada8969]

Can you please let us know how to calculate true altitude with cx-3. Thank you.

[@kimberlywentworth9160]

I think you have to convert C to F and then make that equate to that number as this does not work with Negative C values.

[@Evanstonian60201]

Why aren't you just using the PLAN screen for the en route questions? It seems to do the same thing, but all one screen.

[@Kenny-bp8ux]

How do I do the second question with sporty electronic e6b? Is not giving me option to in put the pressure altitude. Please help 🙏!

[@ctcaviation916]

Good Morning, Your video on the CX-3 is very good, at the end you ask if we have questions or would like to see more help, my request is can you please go over in detail the weight shift program on the CX-3, it seems a lot of questions are popping up on the CPL exam on this subject matter, so to get a better understanding of the function of the weight shift button would be of a great help to myself and I am sure others........Thank you

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

Here's a video that can help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKnHmYuBe9-LqNk

[@francroy3020]

Greg, this is an awesome post! Appreciate you taking the time to run through the functions of the CX-3. Prepping for the AGI exam and the CX-3 calculations for PAlt are about 20-25 ft different than the results if using the mathematical calculations (and the correct answer) for standard pressure lapse rate. Example: IAlt -1850 Baro - 30.18 CX-3 result: 1612 ft Mathematical Result: 29.92 - 30.18 = -.26 (x1000 = -260); 1850 -260 = 1590 ft Any ideas why the discrepancy?

[@PilotInstitute]

The main reason is that 1000 is not the exact factor for a very precise calculation since pressure doesn't really exactly 1" every 1000 feet. The CX3 uses a more precise formula. For the questions on the exam, I would just use the figures they give you, best way to get the correct answer.

[@henrymethorst9108]

good stuff

[@joelmulder]

Anyone know if these are allowed on the EASA exams?

[@nikkokapetanos7737]

Does this calculator have a function for maneuvering airspeed?

[@cn9936]

Can you please cover weight and balance?

[@josephburton92]

You can use this on the exam?

[@EricThePilot]

The weight and balance feature wasnt covered, do you have another video on that? I know its simple, but i can't get it to calculate on its own

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

Check out this video we just published specifically for the W&B question. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKnHmYuBe9-LqNk

[@derrickward8031]

Great video, quick question. When you were dealing with crosswind component I noticed you typed in360 instead of just 36. I also noticed that the answer was different depending on which one I would typed in. Isn't typing in 36 the same as typing in 360? And why would Answer. be different based on the input?

[@mikestemig]

If you look VERY closely, you'll see that there is actually a video edit there. Yes, he did start to enter "360" for the runway, which is incorrect (it is a heading, not a runway). Very briefly, you can see it has runway "30" in the display (my E6-B won't take a third digit, so I can't put in 360). Then the video edit takes place (you can see his hand position "jump" slightly), the display now has the correct value, Runway "36". I completely missed that until your question.

[@dudeshanghai]

Hi, hoping you can help me with this one, using the cx3: Determine your fuel consumption for a 500 nautical mile flight using the following conditions? Pressure altitude - 6,000 ft, Temperature - +26°C, Manifold pressure - 21"" Hg, Wind - Calm.... The chart shows 11.5gph and true airspeed of 161kn

[@PilotInstitute]

So you need to find out several things here: first step, find the ground speed, which in this case, because the wind is calm, is the same as TAS. So your next question is, based on Ground speed and 500 nm, how long will the flight be. Once you know that, and since you know fuel burn rate, you should find out how many gallons you will burn. Does that help?

[@amoretennis7072]

Where can I confirm on FAA web site that CX-3 or electronic E6B is allowed in Private Pilot written exam? I heard examiner has right to take it away and ask student to use manual E6B. is that correct?

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

I don't remember where it is specifically but the CX-3 documentation explains it is allowed. The "examiner" you are talking about is the DPE at the end of the course during your checkride, they can tell you that any of your electronic devices are broken, how do you work the problem now. As far as the written exam, they are not allowed to do that.

[@kimberlywentworth9160]

How do you put in a negative C. This Calculator does not do negative Temp in C. It will state the negative sign but then when you press the = key it goes back to positive. What kind of Training is this.

[@williamwehrle6238]

On the Airspeed, my CX-3 came out with 140.78 CAS?

[@FlightPlanBravo]

In case you're wondering a year later...I had the same issue. I found out I was calculating with temp in F instead of C. Once I changed units to Celsius I got 137.16!

[@epapa737]

Ive spent hours fiddling on my calculator In highschool when I didn't know what to do I think I got it covered

[@fidelgonzales3879]

Hi Greg, Hope you and your family are doing well and staying safe during this terrible in our world. Can you use the CX-3 for the FAA 107 exam?

[@PilotInstitute]

Thanks Fidel, we are staying at home like most out there. I hope you're doing well too. Yes you can use the CX-3 on the 107 exam!

[@fidelgonzales3879]

@@PilotInstitute Glad to hear that. Love the program and thank you for the quick response

[@ruchajirange9096]

Can u tell me the steps to follow for calculating W/V and drift Angle...

[@PilotInstitute]

I have unfortunately not used this function yet because it's not really needed for the exam. Do you have an example of a question you're trying to solve?

[@alanmurphy30]

Is there a way to use it to do the landing ground roll speed questions ?

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

Unfortunately no.

[@brentsieberhagen3861]

Hi Gregg, can you please tell me how to enter NSEW in the coordinates plotting under rhumb line? If i want to enter 50deg how do i tell the cx3 if its north or south under latitude? Or if i want to plot 30deg longitude, how do i tell the cx3 its east or west? Thanks

[@PilotInstitute]

Try to use the - sign for West or South coordinates. I have not had much chance with the thumb line calculations.

[@rnt-gutierrezgutierrez580]

Excellent video. Is it possible to get the takeoff distance on the CX-3? The (figure 40) takeoff distence graph is terrible.

[@PilotInstitute]

No, unfortunately you have to learn to use those charts.

[@rnt-gutierrezgutierrez580]

Thanks

[@mpoborsky]

Hi Greg (or anyone els...) I'm having trouble solving the following type questions with the CX-3: Determine the magnetic heading for a flight from Sandpoint Airport (area 1) to St. Maries Airport (area 4). The wind is from 215° at 25 knots and the true airspeed is 125 knots. In this case the TCrs is 180'. What am I missing? Does anyone know of a video that explains this well? Thanks!

[@IAMinCOMMAND32]

Just bear with me here because I'm learning this too, but I think what you need is the isogonic line for magnetic variation as well. You would need to acquire the following and input it into the calculator: - True course - Wind direction and speed - Wind correction angle - Isogonic magnetic variation for the area you're in (e.g. 12*E variation or 4*W)

[@mpoborsky]

@@IAMinCOMMAND32 Thanks I got it figured out!

[@rasim81]

Awesome video! Thank you soooo much!!! Can we use this device at PPL written exam since has the memory option?

[@PilotInstitute]

Yes it is allowed on the exam!

[@rasim81]

@@PilotInstitute I just got mine yesterday and start practicing watching your video and doing exact same question . Mine coming up totally different numbers. I have no idea why. For example first question IAlt 3894 Baro 30.35 PAlt 148266 yours 3500ft OAT 25 DAlt 1380 yours 2043ft What an I doing wrong ?

[@PilotInstitute]

@@rasim81 That number is definitely not correct. Can you check to make sure all the units are correct (Inch of mercury and not millibars).

[@rasim81]

@@PilotInstitute I just checked and all the units are correct. I wonder if this is a defected unit.

[@Dallas-qf9hu]

I’m in ground class right now and is it just me or is the beginning of ground class extremely confusing? We have to take the written at the end of the semester and if I fail I have to retake the class, any suggestions for studying or anything?

[@PilotInstitute]

I'm not sure how your ground class is designed but the FAA written must be taken before you take your checkride at the end of your license. If you need additional help studying, take a look at our ground school. Contact us if you want our student discount: www.pilotinstitute.com/course/part-61-private-pilot/

[@Deanjacob7]

Taking test tomorrow my best advice is to just start reading the pilot handbook of aeronautical knowledge and after you finish that, the pdf is free on faa website or you can purchase on Amazon.(make sure you get the most recent you can find not too big of a difference but it’s always nice knowing it’s up to date) I then used jeppesen test guide for explanations and figures(always remember your plotter is not same scale so you’ll have to make one with paper, scale always is on top of figure) you can also use sportys online test prep it’s free the only downside is you would have to print out figures and there’s a lot best to use both. I promise you after all that you won’t even need the ground school and will save a lot of money. Remember if your ever confused on a question go on Reddit (r/flying) post your question and within an hour you’ll have 7 people answering you just like I am rn. Best wishes bro see you in the sky.

[@Deanjacob7]

Also if your struggling on remembering visibility and cloud requirements look up the 313 method on KZbin it saved me.