Customer Reviews (147)

Heli Pilot 911 • 2023-05-19T21:11:20-07:00

Been using this app for quite a few years. It is easy to use, has a great layout and is better than any separate device you could buy. I have never had any negative issues with the app and it always works when I open it. I highly recommend this for any Pilot, no matter what level of your flying you are currently at.

mdculpepper • 2023-05-04T09:27:23-07:00

Useful App and and easy to use on my iPad mini. Many calculations to choose from.

Pie-let • 2023-02-15T20:52:43-07:00

Overall a very powerful tool once you figure out how to use it. Great for basic aviation math.

Summary of Key Insights

  • The E6B Aviation Calculator app is generally well-received by pilots, with a strong emphasis on its usefulness and ease of use. It is considered a valuable tool for flight planning and in-flight calculations.
  • Key strengths include its comprehensive set of aviation calculations, unit conversions, and weather information access.
  • The most significant weaknesses are the lack of weight and balance calculations, occasional calculation inaccuracies, and the absence of data carry-over between calculations. Some users also reported crashes and UI issues in older versions.
  • Overall sentiment is positive, as reflected in the high average rating and the large percentage of 5-star reviews.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.5 stars (based on the distribution)
    • 5-Star Reviews: 70.07% (103/147)
    • 4-Star Reviews: 14.29% (21/147)
    • 3-Star Reviews: 5.44% (8/147)
    • 2-Star Reviews: 3.40% (5/147)
    • 1-Star Reviews: 6.80% (10/147)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 147 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span several years, with some dating back to earlier versions of the app.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral based on language used.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently mentioned features, issues, and requests.
    • Frequency Analysis: Counting the occurrence of specific keywords and themes to identify common trends.

Key User Pain Points

  • Lack of Weight and Balance Calculations: This is the most frequently cited missing feature. Users express disappointment that an aviation calculator lacks this fundamental function. Impact: Forces users to use separate apps, hindering workflow.
  • Calculation Inaccuracies: Some users have reported inaccuracies in calculations, especially related to Mach conversions, wind correction, and high-altitude calculations. Impact: Undermines trust in the app's reliability and potentially compromises flight safety.
  • Lack of Data Carry-Over: Users find it inconvenient that results from one calculation do not automatically populate related fields in other calculations. Impact: Increases workload and reduces efficiency.
  • Crashes and Instability: Older reviews mention app crashes, particularly after iOS updates. Impact: Frustrates users and makes the app unusable.
  • UI Issues: Some users dislike the UI design, including character underlines, monochromatic look in older versions, and distracting runway images. Impact: Reduces user satisfaction and potentially hinders usability.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Weight and Balance Calculations: By far the most requested feature.
  • Runway Condition Matrix Calculation
  • Mach to TAS Calculation improvements: Accurate Mach to TAS conversion with altitude and temperature inputs.
  • Climb Rate Conversion: Conversion between ft/NM and ft/min.
  • Checklist Feature
  • Takeoff and Landing Distance Calculations: Including variables like tailwind, surface type (grass, dirt, pavement).
  • Search Bar: For easier navigation within the app.
  • NOTAMs Access: Integration of NOTAM information.
  • Timer with Alarm For fuel consumption calculations.
  • Graphical Weight and Balance Envelope Plot: To visualize weight and balance limits.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Comprehensive Set of Calculations: The app offers a wide range of aviation-related calculations, covering most flight planning needs.
  • Ease of Use: Many users praise the app's intuitive interface and ease of navigation.
  • Unit Conversions: The extensive unit conversion capabilities are highly valued, especially for international flights.
  • Weather Information Access: Convenient access to METAR, TAF, AIRMET, SIGMET, and PIREP reports is a significant benefit.
  • Reliability: Many users report that the app is reliable and consistently works as expected.
  • Continuous Improvement: Users appreciate the developer's responsiveness to feedback and commitment to updates.
  • Value for Money: Users consider the app to be a worthwhile investment compared to physical E6B calculators.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Implement Weight and Balance Calculations: This is the most critical missing feature.
  • Address Calculation Inaccuracies: Thoroughly test and correct any reported calculation errors, especially those related to Mach conversions and wind calculations.
  • Improve Mach to TAS Calculation Allow for altitude and OAT input.
  • Implement Data Carry-Over: Enable automatic data transfer between related calculations to streamline workflow.
  • Ensure Stability and Compatibility: Address any remaining crash issues and maintain compatibility with the latest iOS versions.

Medium Priority:

  • Enhance the UI: Address user concerns about the UI design, such as removing distracting elements or providing customization options.
  • Add a Search Bar: Improve navigation by adding a search bar for quick access to specific functions.
  • Implement Runway Condition Matrix Calculation
  • Implement Climb Rate Conversions
  • Add Takeoff and Landing Distance Calculations:
  • Implement Timer with Alarm

Low Priority:

  • Add a Checklist Feature:
  • Include NOTAMs Access:
  • Different App Icon: Update the app icon to be more aviation-themed.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Enhanced Aviation Calculator App: A new app could focus on providing an even more comprehensive set of aviation calculations, including advanced weight and balance features with graphical envelope plots, integrated NOTAMs, and real-time weather data overlays on flight planning maps.
  • Specialized Weight and Balance App: A dedicated app could offer detailed weight and balance calculations for various aircraft types, with customizable profiles and graphical representations.
  • AI-Powered Flight Planning Assistant: An app could use AI to analyze weather conditions, aircraft performance data, and pilot preferences to generate optimized flight plans, including fuel consumption estimates, route suggestions, and safety alerts.
  • Aviation Training App with E6B Integration: An app that combines flight training materials with a built-in E6B calculator, providing interactive lessons and practice exercises.

Trends and Observations

  • Importance of Weight and Balance: The consistent demand for weight and balance calculations highlights the critical role of this function in flight planning.
  • User Focus on Accuracy and Reliability: Pilots heavily rely on the accuracy of aviation calculations, emphasizing the need for thorough testing and validation.
  • Value of UI/UX: User feedback on the app's interface demonstrates the importance of a clean, intuitive, and customizable design.
  • Requests for Integration: Users want the app to integrate with other aviation tools and data sources, such as weather services and NOTAMs.
  • Long-Term Use: Many users have been using the app for several years, indicating a high level of satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Responsiveness Appreciated: Users appreciate the developer’s responsiveness to issues and feedback.

Conclusion

The E6B Aviation Calculator is a valuable tool for pilots, offering a comprehensive set of features and a user-friendly interface. However, the lack of weight and balance calculations and occasional calculation inaccuracies are significant drawbacks. By addressing these issues and incorporating user-requested features, the app can further enhance its value and solidify its position as a leading aviation calculator. A strong focus on accuracy, reliability, and continuous improvement will be essential for maintaining user satisfaction and attracting new customers.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize implementing weight and balance calculations and addressing calculation inaccuracies. Continuously monitor user feedback and release regular updates to incorporate new features and improvements.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/e6b-aviation-calculator/id286046305?uo=2