Time, speed, distance and wind

The basic formula: Distance = Speed × Time. Example: 120 NM at a ground speed of 90 kt takes 120 ÷ 90 = 1.33 h = 80 minutes.

Wind changes the aircraft's ground speed and pushes it sideways (drift). A headwind reduces ground speed; a tailwind increases it. To fly a wanted track in a crosswind, the pilot turns the nose slightly into the wind — this wind correction angle is found with the triangle of velocities (heading/true airspeed, wind, track/ground speed) or a flight computer.

1-in-60 rule: if you are 1 NM off track after flying 60 NM, you are 1° off. Being 5 NM off after 60 NM means a 5° error.

Winds are reported as the direction they blow from: "wind 270/15" is a west wind of 15 knots.