In the world of general aviation, few tools are as iconic—or as misunderstood—as the E6B flight computer. Whether you prefer the classic “whiz wheel” circular slide rule or its electronic counterpart, the ability to manipulate numbers for fuel burn, time en route, wind correction angles, and density altitude is a fundamental skill. However, owning an E6B isn’t enough; you must drill it until it becomes second nature.
This article provides a comprehensive set of E6B flight computer exercises designed to take you from a clumsy beginner to a confident aviator. These exercises simulate real-world scenarios, from pre-flight planning to emergency diversions.
For aspiring aviators, the E6B flight computer (whether the classic "whiz wheel" manual slide rule or an electronic version) is a rite of passage. It is the bridge between textbook aerodynamics and real-world fuel planning, wind correction, and navigation.
However, owning an E6B doesn't make you a navigator; practicing with it does. Many student pilots fail their cross-country planning checkrides not because of poor flying skills, but because they fumble with time-speed-distance calculations or wind correction angles under pressure.
This article provides a structured regimen of E6B flight computer exercises designed to build muscle memory, reduce calculation time, and boost your confidence for the FAA written exam and the practical checkride.
Advanced skill: You don't know the wind, but you know your heading and track.
Given:
Find: Wind direction and speed.
Method:
The Scenario: True Course (TC): 270°. Wind: 240° at 20 knots. TAS: 110 kts. What is your Wind Correction Angle (WCA) and Ground Speed (GS)?
The Exercise (Wind side of the E6B):
The Takeaway: You need to steer 7° left of 270° (fly 263°) to track 270° over the ground.
This paper provides a structured set of exercises for the E6B Flight Computer
(both manual and electronic versions). It covers the fundamental calculations required for flight planning and the FAA private pilot knowledge test, including speed, fuel, and wind correction. Part 1: The Circular Slide Rule (Front Side)
The front of the E6B is used for calculations involving time, speed, distance, and fuel. Use the Outer Scale (Miles/Fuel) and Inner Scale (Time) to solve the following: 1. Time, Speed, and Distance Exercise A: e6b flight computer exercises
If your groundspeed is 115 knots, how long will it take to fly 64 nautical miles (NM)? Exercise B:
You have been flying for 42 minutes and have covered 78 NM. What is your actual groundspeed? Exercise C:
If you fly at 135 knots for 1 hour and 12 minutes, how far will you travel? 2. Fuel Consumption Exercise A:
Your aircraft burns 8.4 gallons per hour (GPH). How much fuel is required for a flight lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes? Exercise B:
You have 38 gallons of usable fuel. At a burn rate of 11 GPH, what is your maximum endurance (time)? Exercise C:
If you burned 14 gallons in 55 minutes, what is your fuel burn rate in GPH? 3. Conversions and Corrections Exercise A: Convert 120 Nautical Miles (NM) to Statute Miles (SM). Exercise B:
Find your Density Altitude. Pressure Altitude: 4,000 ft. Outside Air Temperature (OAT): Exercise C: In the world of general aviation, few tools
Find True Airspeed (TAS). Indicated Airspeed (IAS): 120 knots. Pressure Altitude: 6,000 ft. OAT: Part 2: The Wind Face (Back Side)
The back of the manual E6B (or the "Wind" menu on electronic models like the Sporty’s Electronic E6B
) is used to determine Wind Correction Angle (WCA) and Groundspeed (GS). 1. Heading and Groundspeed Scenario A: True Course (TC): 090 raised to the composed with power True Airspeed (TAS): 125 knots 180 raised to the composed with power at 20 knots
Wind Correction Angle (WCA), True Heading (TH), and Groundspeed (GS). Scenario B: True Course (TC): 320 raised to the composed with power True Airspeed (TAS): 105 knots 290 raised to the composed with power at 15 knots WCA, TH, and GS. 2. Finding Unknown Wind Scenario C: True Course (TC): 180 raised to the composed with power Groundspeed (GS): 140 knots True Heading (TH): 192 raised to the composed with power True Airspeed (TAS): 150 knots The wind direction and speed. Answer Key & Explanations 33.4 minutes
Set 115 on outer to 60 (triangle) on inner. Find 64 on outer. Set 78 over 42. Read speed over the 60 triangle. Set 135 over 60. Look at 72 mins ( ) on inner scale. 18.9 gallons Set 8.4 over 60. Look at 135 mins ( ) on inner scale. 3 hrs 27 mins Set 11 over 60. Find 38 on outer scale; read inner scale. with 4,000 ft in the Pressure Alt window. positive 9 raised to the composed with power , GS: 123 kts Use the "Wind Down" method on the manual disk.
For a step-by-step visual tutorial on these calculations, you can refer to the E6B Made Easy Guide from Pilot Institute mock FAA exam section
specifically focused on cross-country flight planning using these E6B skills? Find: Wind direction and speed
The E6B is analog in a digital world. While your iPad can calculate groundspeed instantly, the FAA expects you to understand the why behind the number. Repetitive exercises train three specific skills:
Let's break down the exercises by category.