E6b+flight+computer+exercises+verified File

The E6B flight computer, often called the "Whiz Wheel," is a circular slide rule that has been a staple of pilot training since its introduction to the U.S. Army in 1940. Despite the rise of digital apps, the manual E6B remains essential because it requires no batteries and provides a visual understanding of the "60 to 1" rule—leveraging the fact that there are 60 minutes in an hour.

To master this tool, you must practice specific, verified exercises that cover the two primary sides of the device: the Calculator Side for math-based problems and the Wind Side for navigation. 1. Calculator Side: Time, Speed, and Distance

The calculator side uses an outer scale (Scale A) for distance or fuel and an inner scale (Scale B) for time. The rate arrow (the black triangle at "60") is the anchor for most problems.

E6B Made Easy: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide - Pilot Institute

Master the "Whiz Wheel": E6B Flight Computer Exercises with Verified Answers

The E6B flight computer, affectionately known as the "Whiz Wheel," is a rite of passage for every student pilot. While it looks like a complex relic of mid-century engineering, it is essentially a circular slide rule designed to solve time, speed, distance, and wind problems in seconds. e6b+flight+computer+exercises+verified

Whether you are preparing for your FAA private pilot written exam or just want to sharpen your navigation skills, practicing with verified exercises

is the best way to gain confidence. Below are several practice problems ranging from basic distance calculations to complex wind corrections, all with verified solutions. Phase 1: The Calculator Side (Time, Speed, Distance) The front of the E6B deals with linear relationships. The outer scale (A) is for distance and fuel, while the inner scale (B) is for time. Exercise 1: Distance Traveled You are flying at a ground speed of . How far will you travel in 35 minutes Verification:

Align the "60" index (the rate arrow) on the inner scale with on the outer scale. on the inner scale. Read the value directly across on the outer scale. 50 Nautical Miles (NM) Exercise 2: Flight Time Your destination is away and your ground speed is . What is your Time En Route (ETE)? Verification: Align the rate arrow with on the outer scale. on the outer scale. Read the inner scale value. 1 hour and 38 minutes (98 minutes). Phase 2: Fuel Consumption

Fuel problems work exactly like distance problems; you just swap "speed" for "burn rate". Exercise 3: Fuel Required E6B Flight Computer Tutorial - Flight Time

Exercise 3: Fuel Consumption

The "Slide Rule" side of the E6B is essentially a circular slide rule. It allows you to solve ratio problems. The key is the "60" index. The E6B flight computer, often called the "Whiz

The Scenario: Your aircraft burns 12 gallons per hour (GPH). You plan to fly for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The Steps:

  1. The Rate: Find the "60" on the inner scale (usually marked by an arrow or a triangle). This represents 60 minutes (1 hour).
  2. The Burn: Rotate the disc so that the 60 (minutes) aligns with 12 (gallons) on the outer scale. Now, any number on the outer scale relates to gallons, and any number on the inner scale relates to time.
  3. The Time: Find your flight time on the inner scale. 2 hours and 30 minutes is 150 minutes. Find 15 on the inner scale.
  4. The Answer: Look directly above the 15 on the inner scale to the outer scale.

Result: The outer scale should read 30. You will burn 30 gallons.

Step 2 – The “Two-Pass” Method

  1. Pass 1 (Manual): Solve using your mechanical E6B or manual wheel.
  2. Pass 2 (Verification): Use an electronic E6B app (Sporty’s, CX-3, or freeware like “E6B for Pilots”) with the same inputs.
  3. Discrepancy >2%? Re-do manually. Do not blindly trust the app – the goal is manual proficiency.

2. Part I: Wind Correction & Navigation (The Front Side)

The front side of the E6B is a rotating slide rule used for multiplication, division, and ratio problems. For navigation, the "Wind Face" (the square grid on the slide) is used to visualize wind vectors.

Exercise 1: Time, Speed, & Distance (Basic)

Scenario: You plan a leg of 185 NM. True Airspeed (TAS) = 115 knots. Exercise 3: Fuel Consumption The "Slide Rule" side

Questions:

  1. How many minutes will the leg take?
  2. What distance will you cover in 45 minutes at the same speed?

✅ Verified Answers:

  1. 96.5 minutes (1 hour 36.5 minutes) – On E6B: Align 115 on outer scale with 60 on inner scale; find 185 on outer → read 96.5 min on inner.
  2. 86.25 NM – Align 115 with 60; find 45 on inner → read 86.25 on outer.

2. Fuel Consumption

Exercise 4
Burn rate 9.5 GPH. Flight time 2 hours 20 minutes. Fuel needed?

  • Solution: Convert 2:20 to 140 minutes. Align 9.5 with 60. Read fuel opposite 140 (inner) → 22.17 gal.
  • Answer: ~22.2 gallons

Exercise 5
You used 14 gallons in 1 hour 45 minutes. Fuel flow (GPH)?

  • Solution: 1:45 = 105 min. Set 105 opposite 14. Read opposite 60 index → 8.0 GPH.
  • Answer: 8.0 GPH