CX-2 Pathfinder Flight Computer

Had CX2 Before for about 15 years. It was absolutely great. Once it was broken (no fault of the quality of the device), I had to make a decision on this vs the one from Sporty's. Went with the CX2 again because it was such a great product. Only wish it had a back light. I know you can get most of the functions in an iphone/ipade app, but I don't want to rely on that. I like having a dedicated Flight Computer and this is definitely the most functional, most logical One available. Have always loved this little computer.

I bought this item to work on my ATP written test, and it helped me out very much. The weight and balance feature is very helpful, and it is easy to work many scenarios once you put in the moments or arm data in it. Crosswind component is an easy thing to find out with this calculator as well.I find the calculator function a bit challenging, in the sense that if you make a mistake while adding up numbers I end up deleting all the data being calculated so far(as when adding multiple numbers, etc.) But then again I seldom use the calculator function, since all the aviation related features work themselves out in their respective menus.

Great Product. Easy to use. Nice Clean look.I opened the box and the screen wasnt on all the way I just pushed it down and it stuck. I hope to not have issues down the road because of that. But i have used other Electronic E6B and this is the best one.

Like many pilots, I've come to rely on the flight planning tools in apps like ForeFlight to the extent that I almost never need an old-style flight computer anymore. Still, if you need to take an FAA knowledge test, you're not allowed to use a computer, tablet or phone, so you can't use your favorite flight planning tools. Your options are to use the app the test centers provide (which is so-so, especially if you haven't seen it in advance), use an old-style mechanical E6B, or use an FAA-approved flight computer like the CX-2. In my case, I went for the CX-2, figuring it might also be a handy thing to keep in the flight bag as a backup should I ever need it.The CX-2 itself is somewhat on the large side, but I can see this being a good thing - the buttons are larger than many calculators, meaning that if you needed it in the cockpit, you could probably use it effectively, even in turbulence. The keys are also pretty rugged and they seem to take a good deal of force to engage. While I'm not a huge fan of this because it slows you down, I suppose it does make it less likely I'd be hitting the wrong keys in turbulence.Otherwise, I'd say the construction quality is about what you'd expect for this price. It comes with a hard protective cover so that you can toss it in your flight bag without concern. It's also powered by easy to find AAA batteries, and if you're like me, you're already carrying spares for other equipment. I have an older CX-1 from about 1990 that's still working fine - I have no doubt that I'll be saying the same thing in the future about the CX-2.All the calculations most pilots need are in there, as well as lots of simple conversions, timers, and a basic math calculator. In addition to basic flight planning, it can also do weight and balance problems. Most of the aviation functions are pretty structured, prompting you through entering all the required data step by step so you're not likely to get anything wrong or forget a step in a lengthy calculation. If you can do it on the E6B, you can do it on the CX-2.There are a few weak spots.First, I don't find the display particularly readable unless you have perfect ambient lighting. It's not lit for night use, and in bright sunlight it gets washed out and hard to read. Although the buttons are large and solid, the numbers on the display are smallish and not that easy to read. If I were in charge of selecting updates to the CX-2, my first vote would be for a more legible display.I'm also not fond of the way the various functions are laid out. Equations are grouped and organized by task (which is a good thing), but I find a lot of the groupings don't match the way I like to work.As an example, let's say you plan a flight with several legs and you're trying to get an ETA for the entire flight. There's a function for computing heading and groundspeed that gets you part of the way there (computes groundspeed given winds and desired course), but then you need to visit a different section to compute leg time given your groundspeed. The way the menus are organized, this makes for a lot of keystrokes, and it doesn't help you with all the little details. For instance, when computing groundspeed, you need to remember to add/subtract magnetic variation outside the calculation since winds aloft numbers are true and not magnetic. Bottom line is that the menus impose structure, but not a structure that helps prevent all the errors it could.Of course, I'm sure the market for pilot calculators is pretty small, and part of me wants to thank ASA for making this device in the first place. At the same time, part of me wants to shout at the FAA for not allowing pilots to use the tools they are most familiar with on FAA tests. If pilots could use their favorite app on FAA tests, there probably wouldn't need to be a reason for many of us to own things like the CX-2.Still, if you need a flight computer for an FAA exam or as a tool in the cockpit, the CX-2 is about as good as it gets.

After you learn how to use it properly. its just so fast to get your calculations. i do have the cell phone apps. but still I prefer using this 100%.it has become second nature to me and i recommend it 100%. unless you are still on a fly school and some of them don't allow you to use this even do faa does. wich i find weird​ but whatever.

slow shipping on this one but I did order just before xmas...my own fault!My husband was disappointed when he opened the box and found a huge scratch across the screenwe knew the screen was not backlit so this was not a shock but really wish one was made with a backlite...it would help for poorly light areas.Other than the scratch my husband love the computer...make his testing so much easier and faster.

I bought this product because I wanted a faster way to do normal calculations and save time. I must say that I am totally amazed with this flight computer. Is so complete, you can even do Weight and Balance in it! I found functions I didn't know it had before the purchase. Just read the little manual and you are ready to use all its different functions, is easy to use and the inputs and outputs are arranged in such a way you don't get confused. The only think I don't like a lot is the keyboard... You need to press the buttons a little bit harder than I would expected but that's not a big deal.Recommended to every pilot, specially for students like me. Don't think it twice, you won't regret!