I'm working on an Excel spreadsheet to do flight planning using formulas
from Ed Williams site:

http://williams.best.vwh.net/avform.htm

Basically, it will duplicate what I used to do with an E6B and a paper form.

The log is set up so that all the information needed in flight is on one
half of an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet with the input data on the other half. You can
then fold it in half and have the rest of a clipboard size kneeboard
available for other stuff.

I like putting in the distance, course data, etc. well ahead of time and
then plugging in the weather information just before I go. Driving the
Sporty's E6B through it all is just too much work now that I'm no longer a
student and don't have to show my work to anyone. This spreadsheet should
make it easier.

(Yeah, I know there are all sorts of flight planners out there but I'm a
tightwad. Besides, I like simple, homebrew stuff that I can set up the way
I want.)

I've got good agreement between the spreadsheet and the E6B on heading but a
few percent disagreement on ground speed. I haven't done a complete hand
verification yet but the spreadsheet actually looks more accurate. When
there is an exact headwind, the spreadsheet give the right answer while the
E6B is off a couple knots. Does the Sporty's E6B use some approximations?

If anyone who is a wiz with formulas and Excel would like to take a look at
this, I'd appreciate it. Anyone who wants, to play with it, further develop
it, use it, whatever, feel free to download the in-progress file at:

http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/Flightplan.xls

Strictly as-is, use at own risk, public domain. Just let me know if you
have any corrections, ideas, or comments.

--
Roger Long