E6b Calculator

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Professional E6B Flight Computer

Speed, Distance, Fuel, and Wind Correction

Time, Distance & Speed

Wind Correction Angle & Ground Speed

Fuel Consumption

function switchTab(tab) { var sections = ['leg', 'wind', 'fuel']; for (var i = 0; i 0 && dist >= 0) { var totalMinutes = (dist / gs) * 60; var hours = Math.floor(totalMinutes / 60); var minutes = Math.round(totalMinutes % 60); resDiv.style.display = 'block'; resDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Time Enroute (ETE): " + hours + "h " + minutes + "mBased on a ground speed of " + gs + " kts."; } else { alert("Please enter valid speed and distance."); } } function calculateFuel() { var flow = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fuelFlow').value); var time = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fuelTime').value); var resDiv = document.getElementById('fuelResult'); if (flow > 0 && time >= 0) { var burned = (flow / 60) * time; resDiv.style.display = 'block'; resDiv.innerHTML = "Total Fuel Burned: " + burned.toFixed(2) + " GallonsAt a flow rate of " + flow + " GPH."; } else { alert("Please enter valid flow rate and time."); } } function calculateWind() { var tc = parseFloat(document.getElementById('windCourse').value); var tas = parseFloat(document.getElementById('windTAS').value); var wd = parseFloat(document.getElementById('windDir').value); var ws = parseFloat(document.getElementById('windVel').value); var resDiv = document.getElementById('windResult'); if (!isNaN(tc) && tas > 0 && !isNaN(wd) && !isNaN(ws)) { var tcRad = tc * Math.PI / 180; var wdRad = wd * Math.PI / 180; // Wind Correction Angle (WCA) formula var angle = wdRad – tcRad; var wcaRad = Math.asin((ws * Math.sin(angle)) / tas); var wcaDeg = wcaRad * 180 / Math.PI; // True Heading var th = (tc + wcaDeg + 360) % 360; // Ground Speed formula var gs = Math.sqrt(Math.pow(tas, 2) + Math.pow(ws, 2) – (2 * tas * ws * Math.cos(Math.PI – angle + wcaRad))); resDiv.style.display = 'block'; resDiv.innerHTML = "Wind Correction Angle: " + wcaDeg.toFixed(1) + "°" + "True Heading: " + Math.round(th) + "°" + "Ground Speed: " + Math.round(gs) + " knots"; } else { alert("Please fill in all wind calculation fields."); } } // Initialize default tab switchTab('leg');

Understanding the E6B Flight Computer

The E6B flight computer, often called the "whiz wheel," is a manual circular slide rule used by pilots for flight planning. While modern cockpits feature advanced avionics, the E6B remains a fundamental tool for student pilots and a reliable backup for professionals.

Key Aviation Calculations Explained

This online E6B calculator automates the core functions of the manual device:

  • Time, Distance, Speed: The most basic navigation formula where Distance = Speed × Time. For pilots, it is critical to calculate the ETE (Estimated Time Enroute) to manage fuel and report arrival times accurately.
  • Wind Correction Angle (WCA): In the air, the wind rarely blows directly from behind or ahead. To maintain a specific True Course over the ground, a pilot must crab the aircraft into the wind. The WCA is the number of degrees you must add or subtract from your course to stay on track.
  • Ground Speed (GS): Unlike True Airspeed (TAS), which is how fast the plane moves through the air, Ground Speed is your actual speed relative to the earth's surface. It accounts for headwind components (slowing you down) or tailwind components (speeding you up).
  • Fuel Burn: Calculating total fuel required is a matter of safety. By knowing your engine's fuel flow (GPH) and your ETE, you can ensure you meet FAA requirements for reserve fuel.

Practical Example

Imagine you are flying a Cessna 172 with a True Airspeed of 110 knots. Your course is 090° (East). However, there is a wind coming from the North (360°) at 20 knots.

Using the Wind Correction tab above, you would find that you need a Wind Correction Angle of approximately -10°. This means you must steer a True Heading of 080° to keep the airplane moving straight East. Your Ground Speed would drop to roughly 108 knots because of the crosswind component.

Tips for Student Pilots

  1. Always double-check units. Aviation uses Nautical Miles (nm) and Knots (kts), not Statute Miles or MPH.
  2. Remember that "Wind Direction" in aviation is always the direction the wind is blowing from.
  3. When using the physical E6B, ensure your grommet is properly centered before marking wind dots.
Note: This calculator is for educational and flight planning purposes. Always verify calculations with official POH data and current weather briefings before flight.

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