E6b Flight Computer Exercises -

The Scenario: You are at 8,500 feet. The Outside Air Temperature (OAT) is -5°C. Your Indicated Airspeed (IAS) is 105 knots. What is your TAS?

The Exercise (Using the airspeed window):

Why this matters: If you plan your cruise based on IAS of 105, but you’re actually moving at 121 kts over the ground (before wind), you’ll arrive earlier—or burn less fuel. A 15-knot error adds up over 4 hours.

| Student | TSD errors | Wind errors | Fuel errors | Density alt. errors |
|---------|------------|-------------|-------------|---------------------|
| A. Lee | 0 | 1 (WCA sign) | 0 | 0 |
| B. Chen | 2 (time units) | 0 | 1 (reserve calc) | 1 (misaligned scale) |
| C. Smith | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |

Most frequent error: misreading the wind dot’s position (placing wind on wrong side of center).

Given: Pressure altitude 6,500 ft, OAT +12°C, CAS 105 kts. e6b flight computer exercises

Method:

Results:

Note: High density altitude reduces aircraft performance (longer takeoff roll, lower climb rate).

The E6B flight computer, often called the "whiz wheel," has been a staple in aviation since World War II. While electronic versions exist, the classic analog sliderule remains a required skill for many flight training programs and navigation exams.

Below are three categorized "missions" to help you master the different sides of your E6B. Mission 1: The Wind Side (Navigation & Drift) The Scenario: You are at 8,500 feet

The wind side is used to determine how much you need to "crab" into the wind to stay on course. Problem: You are flying a True Course (TC) of 030∘030 raised to the composed with power with a True Airspeed (TAS) of knots. The winds aloft are reported from 320∘320 raised to the composed with power

The Challenge: Find your Wind Correction Angle (WCA) and Groundspeed (GS). The Steps: 320∘320 raised to the composed with power under the True Index. Slide the grommet to a reference line (e.g., ) and mark a dot Rotate the wheel to align 030∘030 raised to the composed with power under the True Index. Slide the card so the wind dot sits on your TAS of The Solution: Your WCA is roughly 14∘14 raised to the composed with power Left and your GS is knots. Mission 2: The Calculator Side (Time, Speed, & Fuel)

The circular sliderule side uses the "60 Rate" arrow to solve ratio problems. Problem: You are planning a leg of nautical miles (NM) with a calculated groundspeed of knots. Your aircraft burns gallons per hour (GPH).

The Challenge: How much time will it take, and how much fuel will you burn (excluding reserves)? The Steps: Time: Align the "60 Rate" arrow to on the outer scale. Find on the outer scale and read the minutes on the inner scale. Fuel: Align the "60 Rate" arrow to

GPH. Find your calculated time on the inner scale and read the gallons on the outer scale. The Solution: Time is minutes ( minutes), and total fuel burned is gallons. Mission 3: High-Altitude Performance (Density Altitude) Why this matters: If you plan your cruise

The small windows in the center of the calculator side account for air density, which affects how your plane actually performs. Problem: You are at a Pressure Altitude of feet with an Outside Air Temperature (OAT) of The Challenge: Find your True Altitude. The Steps: In the "True Altitude" window, align Read the result directly from the window's index.

The Solution: Based on these parameters, your True Altitude is approximately feet. Quick Practice Workbook

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In the age of glass cockpits, iPads, and ForeFlight, you might be tempted to leave that cardboard or metal E6B whiz wheel buried at the bottom of your flight bag. Don’t.

The E6B flight computer isn't just a tool for passing your Private Pilot written exam; it’s a brain trainer. It forces you to visualize wind triangles, understand fuel relationships, and catch fatal math errors before they happen.

Here are five practical exercises to sharpen your E6B skills—no batteries required.

Scenario: You are flying HDG 315° at 110 knots TAS. You look down and see your ground track (Course Made Good) is 320°. Your groundspeed (from GPS or VOR timing) is 125 knots.