Five tips for using your calculator in ATPL Flight Planning!
While it might seem like a straightforward and even dull topic, using your calculator to its full potential can save you significant time and frustration during the exam. Here are five tips to ensure you get the most out of your calculator.
1. Pick the Right Calculator
The exam only permits a basic calculator, so choosing the right one is crucial. Look for a model with the following features:
- Basic functions (+, -, ×, ÷)
- Square root (√) function
- +/– (Positive/Negative) button
- Memory function
- Large buttons and screen for ease of use
Pro Tip: Buy two calculators. Use one as your primary and keep the second as a backup in case the first one malfunctions. You don’t want to learn a new calculator on exam day!
2. Check It’s Working Correctly
Imagine sitting the exam only to discover halfway through that one of the lines on your calculator’s screen isn’t displaying correctly. This can cause serious confusion—an 8 might look like a 6, or a 6 might look like a 5.
Before you start any exam:
- Type in a string of 8s and check that every segment of the screen is functioning properly.
- Confirm the buttons are responsive and that the display is clear.
Taking a minute to do this can save you hours of frustration later.
3. Use the Same Calculator for Study and Exam
Consistency is key. Using the same calculator throughout your study and exam helps you build muscle memory, which is invaluable during a time-critical test.
Switching calculators mid-study or using a different one in the exam can throw you off—calculator buttons are often arranged differently, which can lead to mistakes. By the time you realize the error, it might already cost you precious minutes.
Stick to one calculator and make sure you know it inside out.
4. Learn to Use the Memory Functions
Many students overlook the memory function, but it’s one of the most powerful time-saving tools available. In the ATPL Flight Planning exam, you’re expected not to round numbers, and writing down long decimal values in tiny boxes can be tedious and error-prone.
Here’s how the memory function can help:
- Store intermediary values during complex calculations.
- Avoid repeatedly writing down long decimals—just recall the number from memory instead.
Pro Tip: Practice using the memory function during your study. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize how much time and effort it saves.
If you’re unsure how to use the memory function, let me know, and I can create a video tutorial specifically tailored to its use in the exam.
5. Secure Your Calculator with Blu-Tack
A sliding calculator can be a surprising source of distraction during the exam. While some calculators come with grips, others don’t.
Fix this easily:
- Use a small piece of Blu-Tack to stick your calculator to the table.
- This ensures it stays in place, letting you focus entirely on the task at hand.
Final Thoughts
Your calculator is one of the most important tools for the ATPL Flight Planning exam. By following these tips, you can maximize its efficiency and minimize unnecessary errors:
- Choose a calculator with the right features (and a backup!).
- Check its functionality before every exam.
- Stick to the same calculator throughout your preparation.
- Master the memory functions to save time and effort.
- Secure your calculator in place with Blu-Tack.
With these simple steps, you’ll save precious minutes and improve your accuracy—both critical for exam success.