A flight slide rule, also known as a flight computer or E6B, is a specialized tool used by pilots and navigators for quick calculations related to flight planning and navigation.These slide rules typically include scales for calculating true airspeed, wind correction, time, distance, and other flight-related parameters.
Key Features
- True Airspeed Calculation: Flight slide rules can determine true airspeed, which is the actual speed of the aircraft relative to the air, considering altitude and temperature.
- Wind Correction: They can calculate the effect of wind on the aircraft’s course and speed, helping pilots determine the required course to compensate for wind drift.
- Time, Distance, and Speed Calculations: Flight slide rules can quickly calculate the time it takes to travel a certain distance at a given speed, or the distance covered in a specific time.
- Fuel Consumption: They can help estimate fuel burn based on various factors like airspeed, altitude, and fuel flow rates.
- Other Calculations: Some flight slide rules also include scales for converting units, measuring magnetic variation, and calculating other flight-related parameters.
Benefits
- Quick and Reliable: Flight slide rules provide a quick and reliable way to perform calculations without relying on electronic calculators or computer systems.
- Backup in Case of Failure: In aviation, they serve as a backup tool in case of electronic failure.
- Essential for Flight Planning: They are crucial for pre-flight planning, helping pilots determine course, fuel requirements, and other essential parameters.
Examples
- True Airspeed Slide Rules: These are specialized flight slide rules focused on true airspeed calculations.
- E6B: The E6B is a well-known example of a flight slide rule, used extensively by pilots.
- Circular Slide Rules: Some flight slide rules are circular and can be rotated to access different scales and perform calculations.
Perspective Research Centre 
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