How is fuel consumption calculated with a flight computer?

Fuel consumption can be calculated using a flight computer, typically through a process of relating fuel burn rate to time. The correct approach involves placing the fuel burn rate above the time taken on the flight computer. This alignment allows the pilot to calculate the total amount of fuel consumed over a specific period based on the aircraft's burn rate, which is typically expressed in gallons or liters per hour.

By using this method, pilots can easily determine how much fuel will be used during various segments of the flight, allowing them to plan accordingly and ensure that sufficient fuel is available for the journey. This process is a straightforward application of the principles of flight planning and fuel management, ensuring safety and efficiency during operations.

Other methods of determining fuel consumption, such as aligning the burn rate with distance, adjusting for temperature and altitude, or simply calculating based on time alone may not provide the same clarity or accuracy in the context of real-time flight planning. Thus, having the burn rate above the time taken on the flight computer provides a practical way to visualize and calculate fuel requirements.