Using the Mach Calculator (1st calculator)

Note: If you are comparing the results with most flight computers you should uncheck this box.

Example 1a:

You are flying at pressure altitude of 7620 ft, your calibrated (or indicated) airspeed is 195 kts. What is the Mach number that you are flying at? Note that if you did not have pressure altitude, you could calculate pressure altitude using the pressure altitude calculator. You would need the altimeter setting and the calibrated or indicated altitude instead.

First let's list the information we have:

     1) PA = 7620 ft
     2) CAS = 195 kts

We have two of the three variables for the calculator and therefore we have enough information to solve the problem using our first calculator. We will now enter the variables we have:

Begin by highlighting the field that corresponds to pressure altitude in ft.

Enter the 7620 value.

Now highlight the field that corresponds to the calibrated airspeed in knots.

Enter the 195 value.

The remaining field is the Mach number. Press "Eval" and read the answer 0.34 ft for the Mach number on (a).

You also get other information calculated form the data. In this case the various pressures of the Pitot tube.

Example 1b:

Maintaining the same altitude as in the problem above, how fast would your calibrated airspeed have to read in order to fly at Mach 1?

While leaving the rest of the fields from the previous problem, highlight the field that corresponds to the Mach number.

Enter the 7620 value.

Enter 1.

The remaining field will be calibrated airspeed. Press "Eval" and read the answer 589 knots on (b).