The E6B flight computer, often called the "whiz wheel," remains a staple in pilot training for calculating everything from fuel burn to wind correction [13, 19]. Below are verified exercises and step-by-step solutions to help you master the tool. 1. Flight Time Calculation
Scenario: You are flying at a ground speed of 150 knots and need to travel 245 nautical miles [9].
Step 1: On the calculator side, rotate the inner disk until the rate arrow (the large black triangle) points to 15 (representing 150 knots) on the outer scale [9].
Step 2: Find 24.5 (representing 245 NM) on the outer scale [9].
Step 3: Look directly at the inner scale opposite 24.5 to find your time [9]. Verified Result: 1 hour and 38 minutes [9]. 2. Speed Calculation
Scenario: You covered 26 nautical miles in 13 minutes. What is your aircraft's speed? Step 1: Locate 13 on the inner (middle) time scale.
Step 2: Rotate the disk to align 13 (inner) with 26 (outer scale).
Step 3: Find the rate arrow on the inner scale and read the value it points to on the outer scale. Verified Result: 120 knots. 3. Wind Correction Angle (WCA) & Ground Speed e6b+flight+computer+exercises+verified
Scenario: Magnetic Course: 125°, Wind: 219° at 27 knots, True Airspeed (TAS): 145 knots.
Step 1: On the wind side, set the wind direction (219°) under the True Index.
Step 2: Slide the grommet (center hole) to the 100 line and make a "wind dot" 27 units up (at the 127 line).
Step 3: Rotate the inner disk to your course (125°) under the True Index.
Step 4: Slide the grid until the wind dot is on the 145 speed arc (TAS).
Step 5: Read your Ground Speed under the grommet and your WCA (degrees left/right of center).
Verified Exercise: This is a standard practice problem used to find total time en route and heading. 4. Fuel Endurance The E6B flight computer, often called the "whiz
Scenario: Your aircraft burns 12 gallons per hour (GPH) and you have 42 gallons of usable fuel. Step 1: Set the rate arrow to 12 on the outer scale. Step 2: Find 42 on the outer scale. Step 3: Read the time on the inner scale. Verified Result: 3 hours and 30 minutes (3:30). Resources for Further Practice Manuals: Refer to the Official ASA E6B Manual for detailed diagrams on every function [9]. Practice Sets: The Flight Apprentice Workbook offers 8+ verified multi-step navigation problems.
Interactive Simulation: Practice with an Open Source E6B Simulator for both the calculator and wind sides.
Exercise 12
Climb from 2,000 ft to 9,000 ft at 500 fpm. Ground speed = 90 kt. How far before top of climb (TOC) to start?
Solution: Altitude change = 7,000 ft. Time = 7,000 / 500 = 14 minutes.
Answer: 21 NM
Exercise 13
3° glideslope, GS = 120 kt. Descent rate (fpm) needed?
Given:
Find TAS
✅ Verified Answer:
118 kt
E6B method: Set OAT (-5°C) opposite pressure altitude (6,500 ft). Find CAS (108) on inner scale; read TAS (≈118) on outer scale.
Data:
Find:
✅ Verified Answers (using E6B wind side):
Verification method: Plot wind vector (240/22) from grommet. Rotate to TC 270°. Slide TAS 110 under grommet; read WCA and GS at wind dot.
Why practice with verified problems?
The E6B flight computer (mechanical or electronic) is your backup when iPads fail and your trainer for understanding why the GPS gives certain numbers. Below are 7 realistic, verified exercises covering time-speed-distance, fuel, wind correction, and density altitude. Solution : Altitude change = 7,000 ft