Answering the need for portable, reliable plotting tools, this guide highlights top hand held chart plotters for aviation and marine navigation. Each pick is suitable for students, pilots in training, CFIs, or mariners who rely on accurate course plotting on sectional, WAC, or nautical charts. Below is a quick buying table to compare the five chosen products and why they stand out.
| Product | Best For | Why Selected |
|---|---|---|
| EntireFlight – E6B Flight Computer, Aviation Plotter | Student pilots and instructors | Combines E6B calculator with rotating chart plotter and a practical manual set for in-flight planning. |
| Advanced Pilot Products Rotating Aviation Plotter | Cross-country training | Rotating design improves accuracy for wind correction and course plotting. |
| Chart Plotter X Charts 12 Inch Display | Digital-heavy pilots and classroom use | Large HD IPS display with detailed chart mapping and robust waterproofing. |
| Aviation Plotter by Medarchitect | Sectional, WAC, and terminal area navigation | Eight functions with rotating azimuth and durable build for frequent planning. |
| SimCoach Aviation Navigation Plotter (Rotating Azimuth) | Formal training and exam prep | Dual-sided resin plotter with multiple scales and reliable rotation for direct readouts. |
EntireFlight E6B Flight Computer, Aviation Plotter
Best for student pilots and CFIs who need a compact, all-in-one plotting tool. The E6B flight computer supports essential flight calculations and exam prep, while the rotating aviation plotter streamlines route planning on VFR sectional charts. The included step-by-step manual helps users master E6B usage and navigation plotting. This product is especially useful in flight training programs where a reliable, FAA-trusted tool is part of daily practice.
Who it’s best for: learners and instructors who want a combined calculator and plotter in one kit. Why selected: it package-izes common navigation tasks into a portable box set, reducing the need to carry multiple devices. Limitation: hardware may feel heavier than a single-purpose plotter for full-time day-to-day carry.
Advanced Pilot Products Rotating Aviation Plotter
Best for students seeking improved accuracy and intuitive wind-correction plotting. The rotating design enhances precision during cross-country planning and simplifies sectional chart navigation. Its lightweight, durable build suits frequent training sessions and real-world flights without adding significant bulk to a pilot bag.
Who it’s best for: beginning and intermediate pilots focusing on FAA exam readiness. Why selected: rotating geometry tends to reduce plotting errors compared with static tools. Caution: the product relies on a specific plotting workflow; users accustomed to alternative rulers may need a brief adjustment period.
Chart Plotter X Charts 12 Inch Display
Best for pilots or classrooms needing a larger, high-definition plotting surface. The 12-inch HD IPS display supports clear legibility of C-MAP DISCOVER X and REVEAL charts. Its full-color, high-resolution panel helps with quick distance and bearing estimation, making it a strong candidate for detailed route planning in both training and field use.
Who it’s best for: students and instructors who value screen clarity and chart detail. Why selected: the big display reduces eye strain and supports more precise plotting. Caution: the larger screen adds bulk; ensure sufficient carry space in your flight bag.
Aviation Plotter by Medarchitect
Best for sectional, WAC, and terminal area navigation with eight built-in functions. The rotating azimuth feature supports direct course readouts and straightforward distance measures on multiple chart types. The tool is designed for durability in challenging planning sessions and is well-suited for pilots who frequently switch between chart formats during practice.
Who it’s best for: navigators who need a versatile tool across chart types. Why selected: eight functions cover essential plotting tasks in one compact device. Caution: some users may prefer a purely metric or nautical mile-centric device depending on their chart standards.
SimCoach Aviation Navigation Plotter (Rotating Azimuth)
Best for formal training and exam prep, this rotating azimuth plotter provides accurate scale readings on sectional, terminal area, and WAC charts. The dual-function scales—1:500,000 for sectional and 1:1,000,000 for WAC—along with the 1:250,000 terminal area scale, support precise distance and bearing calculations. Resin construction ensures durability, while the rotating feature enables immediate course readouts.
Who it’s best for: aviation students and pilots preparing for FAA exams. Why selected: strong focus on accuracy and readability across common chart types. Caution: resin materials can be less forgiving in extremely rough handling; store in a protective case when not in use.
Premier Fixed Plotter for Pilots
Best for pilots who want a straightforward, durable tool with quick scale references. Made with resin to resist heat and maintain shape under stress, it provides clear readings in both statute and nautical miles. This fixed plotter is a simple alternative for pilots who prefer fewer moving parts and a more budget-conscious option.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Hand Held Chart Plotter
Key questions to guide your decision:
- What chart types do you use most often? Choose a plotter with scales compatible with sectional, WAC, and terminal area charts if you frequently switch between formats.
- Do you prefer a rotating azimuth or fixed ruler? Rotating designs improve wind correction and course plotting accuracy for training and cross-country planning.
- Is a larger display important for you? A bigger display helps with chart legibility and reduces eye strain during long planning sessions.
- How portable should it be? For daily carry in a flight bag, lighter or compact models reduce bulk, but ensure durability for travel conditions.
- What is your primary environment? Models with resin or durable plastics withstand heat and rough handling better in outdoor training setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a chart plotter used for? It helps pilots and mariners measure courses, distances, and bearings directly on navigation charts.
- Are rotating plotters better than fixed ones? Rotating plotters offer easier wind-correction and bearing calculations, which can reduce plotting errors during flight planning.
- Do these tools work with both aviation and marine charts? Some models are optimized for aviation charts, while others emphasize marine use; check chart compatibility before buying.
- Is a built-in E6B calculator necessary? It’s convenient for students and instructors but not strictly required if you already use separate calculators for navigation tasks.
- Can these plotters survive everyday travel? Many are built with durable resin or robust plastics but should be stored in protective cases to avoid damage.
- Do these tools require any calibration? Some models calibrate automatically or rely on printed chart scales; always verify scale accuracy before critical plotting.