Flight path and turns calculators

Climb, descent and turn are all geometry problems once the speeds are known. These tools convert between rate of climb and gradient, work out when to start a descent and how fast to come down, estimate a still-air glide, and give the radius and bank angle of a coordinated turn. Turn geometry depends only on true airspeed and bank angle, not on aircraft type.

• Climb gradient and rate Convert rate of climb and groundspeed into a gradient in percent and ft per NM.
• Time and distance to climb How long a climb takes and how far along the route it uses up.
• Top of descent How far out to start down, and the rate of descent it needs.
• Required vertical speed The rate of descent needed to lose a given altitude in a given distance.
• Still-air glide range Theoretical glide distance from a height and a glide ratio you supply.
• Turn radius Airspeed and bank angle into the radius of a coordinated level turn.
• Bank angle for a turn rate The bank angle needed to hold a chosen rate of turn at a given speed.

Other categories

• Atmosphere Pressure, density and temperature aloft.
• Wind and airspeed Crosswind, wind triangles and true airspeed.
• Navigation Distance, heading, timing and decision points.
• Fuel Requirements, endurance, range and weight.