How To Use An E6b Flight Computer?

How to Use an E6B Flight Computer

The E6B flight computer is a small, hand-held device that has been used by pilots for over 70 years to perform a variety of calculations, including time, speed, distance, and fuel burn. It is a valuable tool for any pilot, whether you’re a student pilot or a seasoned professional.

In this article, we will discuss the basics of how to use an E6B flight computer. We will cover the different parts of the computer, how to perform basic calculations, and how to use the computer in different flight situations. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of how to use an E6B flight computer and you will be able to use it to make your flights safer and more efficient.

What is an E6B Flight Computer?

The E6B flight computer is a small, hand-held device that is used to perform a variety of calculations related to flight. It is a slide rule-based computer, which means that it uses a series of scales and cursors to perform calculations. The E6B is typically made of plastic or metal and has a black face with white markings. It is about the size of a deck of cards and weighs about 4 ounces.

The E6B was developed in the early 1940s by Edwin Link, a former naval aviator. The original E6B was made of wood and had a slide rule on one side and a calculator on the other. The calculator was used to perform basic arithmetic calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The slide rule was used to perform more complex calculations, such as time, speed, distance, and fuel burn.

The E6B quickly became a popular tool for pilots and was used by both military and civilian pilots. In the 1950s, the E6B was updated with a new design that made it more user-friendly. The new E6B also had a larger slide rule and a more comprehensive set of scales.

The E6B remained in use by pilots for many years, but it has gradually been replaced by electronic flight computers (EFCs). EFCs are more accurate and easier to use than the E6B, and they can perform a wider range of calculations. However, the E6B is still used by some pilots today, especially those who fly older aircraft that do not have EFCs.

Parts of an E6B Flight Computer

The E6B flight computer is a relatively simple device, but it has a number of different parts. Each part of the computer has a specific function, and understanding how each part works is essential for using the computer effectively.

The following is a list of the major parts of an E6B flight computer:

• Slide rule: The slide rule is the main part of the E6B flight computer. It is used to perform a variety of calculations, including time, speed, distance, and fuel burn.
• Calculator: The calculator is located on the back of the E6B flight computer. It is used to perform basic arithmetic calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Scales: The E6B flight computer has a number of scales that are used to perform different calculations. The scales are located on the front of the computer and are marked with different units of measurement.
• Cursors: The cursors are used to align the scales on the E6B flight computer. They are located on the front of the computer and are moved by sliding them along the scales.
• Window: The window is located on the top of the E6B flight computer. It is used to display the results of calculations.

How to Use an E6B Flight Computer

Using an E6B flight computer is relatively simple, but it does require some practice. The following steps will walk you through the basics of how to use an E6B flight computer:

1. Set the scales. The first step is to set the scales on the E6B flight computer. This is done by aligning the cursors with the appropriate scales. The scales are marked with different units of measurement, so you need to make sure that the cursors are aligned with the correct units.
2. Perform the calculation. Once the scales are set, you can perform the calculation. This is done by sliding the cursors along the scales until the desired result is displayed in the window.
3. Read the results. The results of the calculation will be displayed in the window. You can read the results directly from the window or you can transfer them to another piece of paper.

The E6B flight computer is a valuable tool for pilots. It can be used to perform a variety of calculations, including

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Set the desired groundspeed in knots on the front slide rule.
2	Set the desired time in minutes on the back slide rule.
3	Rotate the front slide rule until the desired groundspeed aligns with the desired time.
4	The altitude difference between the departure and arrival airports can be read from the scale at the top of the E6B.

The E6B flight computer is a handheld, mechanical calculator that is used to perform a variety of calculations related to flight. It is a simple and reliable tool that can be used by pilots of all experience levels.

The E6B flight computer is divided into four main sections:

• The main slide rule
• The wind triangle
• The fuel consumption table
• The time and distance table

Each section of the E6B flight computer is used to perform a specific set of calculations. For example, the main slide rule is used to calculate groundspeed, time, and distance. The wind triangle is used to calculate wind correction angle. The fuel consumption table is used to calculate fuel burn. And the time and distance table is used to calculate time en route and fuel requirements.

The E6B flight computer is a valuable tool for pilots of all experience levels. It is a simple and reliable way to perform a variety of calculations related to flight.

Parts of an E6B Flight Computer

The E6B flight computer is divided into four main sections:

• The main slide rule
• The wind triangle
• The fuel consumption table
• The time and distance table

The main slide rule is the most important part of the E6B flight computer. It is used to calculate groundspeed, time, and distance.

The wind triangle is used to calculate wind correction angle.

The fuel consumption table is used to calculate fuel burn.

The time and distance table is used to calculate time en route and fuel requirements.

How to Use the E6B Flight Computer

The E6B flight computer is a simple and intuitive tool to use. The following steps will provide you with a basic understanding of how to use the E6B flight computer:

1. Enter the necessary data into the flight computer. This includes the aircraft’s airspeed, altitude, and heading.
2. Calculate the wind correction angle. This is the angle that the aircraft must be flown in order to compensate for the wind.
3. Calculate the true airspeed. This is the aircraft’s airspeed relative to the air mass.
4. Calculate the groundspeed. This is the aircraft’s speed relative to the ground.
5. Calculate the time to destination. This is the time it will take the aircraft to reach its destination.
6. Calculate the fuel requirements. This is the amount of fuel the aircraft will need to reach its destination.

Entering Data

The first step in using the E6B flight computer is to enter the necessary data. This includes the aircraft’s airspeed, altitude, and heading.

To enter the aircraft’s airspeed, use the main slide rule. Set the red index line to the aircraft’s airspeed in knots. The green index line will then indicate the aircraft’s true airspeed.

To enter the aircraft’s altitude, use the wind triangle. Set the red index line to the aircraft’s altitude in feet. The green index line will then indicate the wind correction angle.

To enter the aircraft’s heading, use the main slide rule. Set the red index line to the aircraft’s heading in degrees. The green index line will then indicate the groundspeed.

Calculating Wind Correction Angle

The wind correction angle is the angle that the aircraft must be flown in order to compensate for the wind. To calculate the wind correction angle, use the wind triangle.

Set the red index line to the aircraft’s true airspeed. Set the blue index line to the wind speed in knots. The green index line will then indicate the wind correction angle.

Calculating True Airspeed

The true airspeed is the aircraft’s airspeed relative to the air mass. To calculate the true airspeed, use the main slide rule.

Set the red index line to the aircraft’s indicated airspeed. Set the blue index line to the aircraft’s altitude in feet. The green index line will then indicate the true airspeed.

Calculating Groundspeed

The groundspeed is the aircraft’s speed relative to the ground. To calculate the groundspeed, use the main slide rule.

Set the red index line to the aircraft’s true airspeed. Set the blue index line to the wind correction angle. The green index line will then indicate the groundspeed.

Calculating Time to Destination

The time to destination is the time it will take the aircraft to reach its destination. To calculate the time to destination, use the time and distance table.

Set the red index line to the aircraft’s groundspeed in knots. Set the blue index line to the distance to the destination in nautical miles. The green index line will then indicate the time to destination in hours.

How To Use An E6B Flight Computer?

The E6B flight computer is a small, handheld calculator that pilots use to perform a variety of calculations related to flight. It is a valuable tool for pilots of all experience levels, as it can help them to make informed decisions about their flights.

The E6B flight computer is a mechanical calculator, which means that it does not require batteries or electricity to operate. It is made up of a number of dials and scales, which are used to perform calculations.

The E6B flight computer is used to perform a variety of calculations, including:

• Time and distance calculations
• Fuel calculations
• Wind drift calculations
• Altitude calculations
• Rate of climb and descent calculations
• Heading calculations

The E6B flight computer is a relatively simple device to use, but it can be helpful to have a basic understanding of how it works before you start using it.

To use the E6B flight computer, you will need to:

1. Set the calculator to the correct time zone.
2. Enter the ground speed and heading of your aircraft.
3. Enter the wind speed and direction.
4. Rotate the calculator’s bezel to account for the Earth’s curvature.
5. Read the results of your calculations on the calculator’s scales.

The E6B flight computer is a valuable tool for pilots of all experience levels. It can help you to make informed decisions about your flights and ensure that you arrive at your destination safely.

How To Operate An E6B Flight Computer

The E6B flight computer is a relatively simple device to operate, but it can be helpful to have a basic understanding of how it works before you start using it.

The E6B flight computer is made up of a number of dials and scales, which are used to perform calculations. The most important dials and scales are:

• The time and distance scale
• The fuel scale
• The wind drift scale
• The altitude scale
• The rate of climb and descent scale
• The heading scale

To use the E6B flight computer, you will need to:

1. Set the calculator to the correct time zone.
2. Enter the ground speed and heading of your aircraft.
3. Enter the wind speed and direction.
4. Rotate the calculator’s bezel to account for the Earth’s curvature.
5. Read the results of your calculations on the calculator’s scales.

Here is a more detailed explanation of how to operate each of the E6B flight computer’s dials and scales:

• The time and distance scale is used to calculate the time and distance of a flight. To use this scale, you will need to know the ground speed and heading of your aircraft. Once you have this information, you can use the scale to calculate the time and distance of your flight.
• The fuel scale is used to calculate the amount of fuel you will need for a flight. To use this scale, you will need to know the fuel consumption of your aircraft and the distance of your flight. Once you have this information, you can use the scale to calculate the amount of fuel you will need.
• The wind drift scale is used to calculate the wind drift on a flight. To use this scale, you will need to know the wind speed and direction. Once you have this information, you can use the scale to calculate the wind drift on your flight.
• The altitude scale is used to calculate the altitude of an aircraft. To use this scale, you will need to know the pressure altitude of the aircraft. Once you have this information, you can use the scale to calculate the altitude of the aircraft.
• The rate of climb and descent scale is used to calculate the rate of climb or descent of an aircraft. To use this scale, you will need to know the ground speed and altitude of the aircraft. Once you have this information, you can use the scale to calculate the rate of climb or descent of the aircraft.
• The heading scale is used to calculate the heading of an aircraft. To use this scale, you will need to know the magnetic heading of the aircraft. Once you have this information, you can use the scale to calculate the heading of the aircraft.

By following these steps, you can use the E6B flight computer to perform a variety of calculations related to flight.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble using the E6B flight computer, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

First, make sure that the calculator is set to the correct time zone.

How do I use an E6B flight computer?

The E6B flight computer is a simple, yet powerful, tool that can be used to perform a variety of calculations related to flight planning and navigation. To use an E6B, follow these steps:

1. Set the aircraft’s weight and altitude. This information can be found in the aircraft’s flight manual.
2. Set the desired groundspeed. This is the speed at which you want the aircraft to travel over the ground.
3. Set the true airspeed. This is the speed at which the aircraft is actually moving through the air.
4. Set the magnetic variation. This is the difference between magnetic north and true north.
5. Set the wind direction and speed. This information can be obtained from a weather briefing.
6. Calculate the heading. This is the direction in which the aircraft should be pointed in order to fly in a straight line.
7. Calculate the time en route. This is the amount of time it will take to fly from your current position to your destination.
8. Calculate the fuel burn. This is the amount of fuel that the aircraft will use to complete the flight.

What are the advantages of using an E6B flight computer?

The E6B flight computer has a number of advantages over other methods of flight planning and navigation, including:

• Accuracy: The E6B is a very accurate tool, and it can be used to perform calculations with a high degree of precision.
• Portability: The E6B is a small, lightweight device that can easily be carried in a pilot’s flight bag.
• Cost-effectiveness: The E6B is a relatively inexpensive tool, and it is a good investment for any pilot.

What are the disadvantages of using an E6B flight computer?

The E6B flight computer has a few disadvantages, including:

• Requires some training: In order to use an E6B effectively, pilots need to have some training on how to operate the device.
• Can be difficult to use in turbulence: The E6B can be difficult to use in turbulence, as the moving air can make it difficult to read the scales.
• Can be difficult to use in low light conditions: The E6B can be difficult to use in low light conditions, as the scales can be hard to see.

What are some alternatives to using an E6B flight computer?

There are a number of alternatives to using an E6B flight computer, including:

• Electronic flight computers (EFCs): EFCs are electronic devices that can perform a variety of calculations related to flight planning and navigation. EFCs are more accurate and easier to use than E6Bs, but they are also more expensive.
• Smartphone apps: There are a number of smartphone apps that can be used to perform flight planning and navigation calculations. Smartphone apps are typically less expensive than EFCs, but they may not be as accurate or easy to use.
• Paper charts and tables: Paper charts and tables can be used to perform flight planning and navigation calculations. Paper charts and tables are less expensive than E6Bs and smartphone apps, but they are also less accurate and more difficult to use.

Which is the best option for me?

The best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a student pilot or a recreational pilot who only flies occasionally, an E6B flight computer may be a good option for you. If you are a professional pilot who flies regularly, an EFC or a smartphone app may be a better option.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a flight planning and navigation tool:

• Accuracy: How accurate do you need the calculations to be?
• Portability: How easy is it to carry the tool with you?
• Cost: How much are you willing to spend on the tool?
• Ease of use: How easy is it to use the tool?

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the flight planning and navigation tool that is best for you.

the E6B flight computer is a valuable tool for pilots of all experience levels. It can be used to perform a variety of calculations, including time, distance, and fuel burn. By understanding how to use the E6B, pilots can make more informed decisions about their flights and ensure their safety.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• The E6B is a circular slide rule with a number of scales and windows.
• It can be used to perform a variety of calculations, including time, distance, and fuel burn.
• The E6B is easy to use and can be learned in a short amount of time.
• Pilots of all experience levels can benefit from using the E6B.

If you are a pilot, or are thinking about becoming a pilot, I encourage you to learn how to use the E6B. It is a valuable tool that can help you make more informed decisions about your flights and ensure your safety.