E6B Flight Computer

All the calculations of a mechanical E6B in one free online tool. Wind correction, speed/distance/time, fuel burn, unit conversions, and density altitude.

Calculate ground speed, wind correction angle, and true heading from the wind triangle.

deg
kt
deg
kt

Results

Wind Correction Angle-9.6deg
True Heading350deg
Ground Speed118kt

What is an E6B Flight Computer?

The E6B is a circular slide rule used by pilots for over 80 years to perform essential flight planning calculations. It has two sides:

  • Wind side — Solves the wind triangle to find ground speed, wind correction angle (WCA), and true heading from true course, true airspeed, and wind data.
  • Calculator side — A circular slide rule for speed/distance/time, fuel burn, unit conversions, true airspeed, density altitude, and more.

This free online E6B replicates all the common calculations you would perform with a physical E6B or electronic flight computer (CX-2, CX-3). It is perfect for flight planning, cross-country navigation, and FAA written exam preparation.

Key Formulas

Wind Correction Angle

WCA = arcsin( (Wind Speed / TAS) × sin(Wind Dir − True Course) )

Ground Speed

GS = √( (TAS×sin(TH) − WS×sin(WD))² + (TAS×cos(TH) − WS×cos(WD))² )

Density Altitude

DA = PA + 120 × (OAT − ISA Temp at PA)

Speed / Distance / Time

Speed = Distance ÷ Time  |  Distance = Speed × Time  |  Time = Distance ÷ Speed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this on the FAA written exam?

The FAA allows electronic flight computers (E6B apps and CX-2/CX-3) during the written exam. However, you should practice with this tool beforehand so you understand the underlying concepts and can verify your answers quickly.

How accurate is this compared to a physical E6B?

This digital E6B uses exact trigonometric formulas, so it is more precise than a mechanical slide rule E6B (which is limited by the resolution of the dials). For all practical flight planning purposes, the results are identical.

What is the wind correction angle (WCA)?

The WCA is the angle you must crab into the wind to maintain your desired ground track (true course). You add the WCA to your true course to get the true heading you need to fly. A positive WCA means crab right; negative means crab left.

Do I still need a physical E6B?

Many flight schools and DPEs still require students to demonstrate proficiency with a manual E6B during checkrides. This online version is great for practice, but you should also learn the mechanical version.

Master E6B Problems for Your FAA Exam

E6B calculations appear on every FAA written exam. Practice with thousands of real questions, detailed explanations, and performance tracking.

Start your exam prep — $7.49/mo (50% off)

← All pilot tools · Crosswind Calculator · Density Altitude · Wind Correction · Fuel Burn