E6b Flight Computer Exercises

Mastering the E6B Flight Computer (the "Whiz Wheel") is a rite of passage for every pilot. Whether you're preparing for your FAA written exam or just want to stay sharp without relying on batteries, these practice exercises cover the essential manual and wind-side calculations. Exercise 1: Time, Speed, & Distance

The most common use for the E6B's front (calculator) side. Remember to use the (the big black triangle) to set your rate. You are cruising at a groundspeed of . How long will it take to fly 42 nautical miles index on the inner scale with (representing 115) on the outer scale.

on the outer scale. The value directly beneath it on the inner scale is your time in minutes. ~22 minutes. Exercise 2: Fuel Consumption

Calculated exactly like distance, but substituting "Gallons per Hour" (GPH) for speed. Your aircraft burns . If your flight time is 1 hour and 20 minutes , how much fuel will you use? index with (8.5 GPH) on the outer scale. e6b flight computer exercises

minutes (1:20) on the inner scale. Read the fuel burn on the outer scale. 11.3 gallons. Exercise 3: Wind Correction (The Wind Side)

This requires the back of the computer to find your Wind Correction Angle (WCA) and Groundspeed.

Find the heading and groundspeed for the following conditions: True Course (TC): True Airspeed (TAS): 180° at 20 knots (Direct crosswind) Set the wind direction (180°) under the True Index Mark a dot 20 units up from the center (grommet). Rotate the wheel to your True Course (090°). Slide the card so the wind dot rests on the Mastering the E6B Flight Computer (the "Whiz Wheel")

WCA is ~11° Right (Heading 101°); Groundspeed is ~103 knots. Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge Test yourself on these common exam scenarios: Density Altitude:

Find the density altitude for an airport with an elevation of 843', temperature of 7°C, and pressure of 29.83". Unit Conversion: How many Liters are in 35 US Gallons? (Use the marks on the outer scale). Endurance:

If you have 53 gallons of fuel and burn 9.8 GPH, what is your total flight endurance? Pro Tips for the Whiz Wheel Task : Find the time required

Exercise 1: Time En Route (The 60:1 Rule)

Scenario: You are cruising at 125 knots groundspeed. You need to fly 87 nautical miles to your waypoint.

• Task: Find the time required.
• Method: On the outer scale, locate the Speed Index (a black triangle with an arrow at 60 on the inner scale). Rotate the disc so the groundspeed (125) is under the Speed Index. Find the distance (87) on the outer scale. Read the time on the inner scale.
• Answer: 41.7 minutes (or 41 minutes 42 seconds).
• Exercise Variation: If you flew for 32 minutes at 110 knots, how far did you go? (Answer: 58.7 NM).

Part 3: Wind and the Art of the Triangle

This is where the E6B shines. There is no shortcut around learning the wind side of the manual computer. These E6B flight computer exercises assume you have a sliding window with a rotating azimuth.

3 — TAS from Calibrated Airspeed (pressure/altitude correction)

• Objective: Compute TAS from calibrated airspeed (CAS).
• Given: CAS = 95 KT; pressure altitude = 8,000 ft; OAT = 0°C.
• Steps:
  1. Use the E6B TAS correction scale: set CAS 95 on the inner scale opposite pressure altitude 8,000 on the outer (or use TAS slide if available).
  2. Read TAS ≈ 108 KT (approximate; TAS increases with altitude).
• Answer: TAS ≈ 108 KT.

Exercise 4: The "Off-Course" Rescue

The Scenario: You were supposed to fly from Airport A to Airport B (120 NM total). You have flown 40 NM, but you notice you are 4 NM left of course. How many degrees must you turn to fly directly to the destination?

The Exercise (Off-Course Correction formula): This uses the ratio side of the E6B (the "calculator" side).

1. Step 1 (Closure Angle): Set the distance remaining (80 NM) over the distance off course (4 NM). Read the angle on the outer scale opposite the Index (60). (Answer: ~3°).
2. Step 2 (Total Correction): Add your original error.
   • Original error = Distance off / Distance flown = 4/40 = 6°.
   • Total turn = 6° + 3° = 9°.

The Action: Turn 9° toward the course line. After 5 minutes, you will be back on track.

4 — Wind Correction & Heading (wind side)

• Objective: Find heading to maintain a course.
• Given: True course = 045°; TAS = 100 KT; wind = 230° at 25 KT.
• Steps:
  1. On wind side, place center dot; mark wind from 230° by rotating the wheel so wind line points to 230.
  2. From center, mark wind speed 25 KT along that radial (counting outer rings as 10 KT per ring etc. depending on your E6B).
  3. Rotate the dial so intended course (045°) is at the top (index).
  4. Slide the wind vector so that the tail is on the center dot; the head will offset right/left — read the wind correction angle (WCA) on the azimuth scale and the resulting groundspeed on the speed scale by measuring the distance from center to the groundspeed mark.
  5. Result (approximate by calculation): Wind from 230° is a left-quartering tailwind component for course 045°. Compute by vector math if needed: wind angle relative to course = 230 − 45 = 185° → nearly tail (5° left of tail). Crosswind small.
  6. WCA ≈ 0° to 2° left; heading ≈ 047° (fly slightly right to correct), groundspeed ≈ TAS + tail component ≈ 100 + 24.6 ≈ 125 KT (approx).
• Answer (approx): Heading ≈ 047°; WCA ≈ 2° right (note: E6B procedure yields precise WCA direction); groundspeed ≈ 125 KT.