E6b Flight Computer Exercises May 2026
The E6B flight computer, often called the "whiz wheel," is an essential tool for performing in-flight calculations like time-speed-distance, fuel consumption, and wind correction
- True Course (TC): 270°
- True Airspeed (TAS): 150 knots
- Wind: From 330° at 20 knots
Part 2: Fuel Navigation – The Art of Conservation
Running out of fuel is entirely a failure of planning, not a mechanical failure. These E6B flight computer exercises focus on endurance and consumption. e6b flight computer exercises
Given: Fuel burn = 9.5 GPH. Time en route = 2h 30m.
Find: Total fuel.
Method: Align 9.5 (outer) with the index (60). Find 150 minutes (2:30) on inner. Read outer = 23.75 gallons. The E6B flight computer, often called the "whiz
Where Students Fail (And How to Fix It)
Practicing E6B exercises isn't just about getting the right number; it's about avoiding common errors. True Course (TC): 270° True Airspeed (TAS): 150
7. Recommendations & Next Steps
- Review: Wind side practice with varied wind angles (crosswind vs. headwind).
- Quiz: Timed TSD and fuel problems to increase speed.
- Flight application: Plan a cross-country with E6B only, then compare to GPS GS and actual fuel used.
- Advanced exercises: Off-course correction, radius of action, and true altitude conversion.
Tips for Practicing with These Exercises
- Always verify units (KT, NM, GPH, USG).
- Practice the wind-side plotting steps slowly: set wind direction, mark wind speed from center, rotate to course, slide vector to center, read WCA and groundspeed.
- Cross-check results with vector math when learning.
- Time conversions: decimal hours → hours + minutes (0.25 h = 15 min).
- Use answers above as checks; small differences may occur depending on rounding and specific E6B design.
The back of the wheel is used for wind vector solutions to find your Heading and Ground Speed.