How do you calculate ground speed and flight time on an E6B?

On an E6B flight computer, Ground Speed = Distance / (Time in hours), Flight Time = (Distance / Ground Speed) * 60 minutes, and Distance = Ground Speed * Time. Our digital flight suite computes any of these variables bidirectionally with automatic unit conversions across Nautical Miles, Statute Miles, Kilometers, Knots, and MPH.

How do you calculate Wind Correction Angle (WCA) and Magnetic Heading?

Using the wind triangle trigonometric formula, WCA = arcsin((Wind Velocity * sin(Wind Direction - True Course)) / True Airspeed). True Heading = True Course + WCA, and Magnetic Heading = True Heading - Magnetic Variation (East is negative, West is positive in formula subtraction).

How do you calculate Density Altitude and True Airspeed (TAS)?

Pressure Altitude is calculated from field elevation and QNH altimeter setting. Density Altitude corrects Pressure Altitude for non-standard temperature (120 ft per 1°C deviation from ISA). True Airspeed (TAS) is then calculated from Calibrated Airspeed (CAS) corrected for air density ratio.

How is Top of Descent (TOD) distance calculated in aviation?

Top of Descent (TOD) distance in NM is calculated as Altitude to Lose (ft) / (Descent Rate FPM * 60 / Ground Speed). For a standard 3-degree glidepath, the rule of thumb is: Altitude to Lose in thousands * 3 = Distance in NM, with required descent rate = Ground Speed * 5 (FPM).

CASA Part 91 / ICAO Standard Atmosphere

Multi-Module Digital Flight Suite

E6B Flight Computer 2.0

Solve Time, Speed, Distance, Fuel Burn & CASA Reserves, Wind Vectors, True Airspeed, Density Altitude, and Top of Descent without manual slide rule errors.

Time, Speed & Distance Solver

Select the unknown parameter to solve dynamically

Flight Distance

Flight Time (Hours & Minutes)

hrs

mins

Calculated Ground Speed

115.0kts

132.4 mph / 213.0 km/h

Time Enroute1h 3m

Pilot Exam & Cockpit Checklist

Need Equipment for Your CASA Flight Test?

While this digital E6B suite is great for pre-flight calculation and theory practice, tablets and phones are restricted in official CASA exams. Pilots must carry approved mechanical instruments into the cockpit.

CASA Part 61 exam standard

CASA Exam Approved

ASA Color E6B Metal Flight Computer

The gold standard physical slide rule for CASA RPL, PPL, and CPL navigation exams. Indestructible aluminum alloy, zero battery reliance, with wind component grid.

Meets CASA Part 61 exam rules
Crosswind component grid
Dual-sided time & speed scales

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Student Pilot Standard

David Clark H10-13.4 Aviation Headset

The legendary benchmark headset trusted by student pilots worldwide. Certified 23dB noise reduction, ultra-durable build, and crystal-clear ATC transmission.

Certified 23dB passive noise reduction
Standard dual GA twin plugs (PJ-055 / PJ-068)
M-7A noise-canceling electret microphone

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Cockpit Organizer

Aviation Kneeboard (iPad Mini Adaptable)

Essential in-flight organizer holding your VFR nav log, charts, and iPad Mini for OzRunways & AvPlan EFB. Includes heavy-duty leg strap and pen holders.

Fits iPad Mini & standard VFR notepads
Adjustable elastic cockpit leg strap
Printed VFR visual reference cheatsheet

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How to Use the Digital E6B Flight Computer

The traditional circular slide rule E6B "whiz wheel" was invented by Lt. Philip Dalton in the 1930s. Our digital 2.0 suite removes manual parallax alignment errors while calculating the exact mathematical vector triangles, fuel reserves according to Australian CASA Part 91 regulations, and International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) deviations.

Wind Triangle Vectors

To compute your Magnetic Heading, our solver applies the Law of Sines to determine the Wind Correction Angle (WCA), adjusts for True Heading, and adds or subtracts local Magnetic Variation (East is magnetic least / West is magnetic best).

Density Altitude Effects

High density altitude reduces air density, resulting in reduced engine power, lower propeller thrust, and reduced lift. Always verify your takeoff roll and climb gradient when density altitude significantly exceeds field elevation.

Aviation Ground School & Exam Prep

Preparing for CASA Pilot Exams?

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Practice Exams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard CASA VFR fuel reserve in Australia?

Under CASA Part 91 Plain English Guide / MOS, piston engine aeroplanes operating under VFR by day must carry a minimum final reserve of 45 minutes fuel (or 30 minutes for certain categories), plus contingency and alternate aerodrome fuel where required.

How do I convert between Pressure Altitude and Density Altitude?

First determine Pressure Altitude = Elevation + (1013.25 - QNH) × 30 ft. Next, compute the ISA temperature at that pressure altitude. Density Altitude = Pressure Altitude + 120 × (OAT - ISA Temp).