Table 4.3-1 Knots to NM per Minute/Decimal Minutes to Seconds

ESTIMATING TOOLS

Rule of 60

One tool used to estimate time/speed/distance problems is known as the rule of 60. Stated

simply, aircraft ground speed divided by 60 equals the distance (nm) traveled in one

minute. (Table 4.3-1)

Knots to NM/Min

Decimal Minute to Seconds

Table 4.3-1 Knots to NM per Minute/Decimal Minutes to Seconds

For example at 60kts the aircraft travels one nm a minute, at 120kts it travels two nm's a

minute, etc.

Rule of 6

A related rule, the rule of 6 states that 1/10th of the aircraft's ground speed is the distance

it will travel in six minutes.

For example, at 300kts the aircraft will travel 30nm in six minutes.

TIME

The time required to cover a specified distance at a given (known) speed can be expressed

in the following formula:

4.6-63