How do you calculate the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)?

To calculate the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), one primarily relies on the distance to the destination and the ground speed of the aircraft. The basic formula for ETA involves dividing the remaining distance by the ground speed. For example, if there are 200 nautical miles left to fly and the ground speed is 200 knots, the calculation shows that it will take approximately 1 hour to reach the destination.

This method provides a straightforward and effective means to determine how long it will take to arrive, allowing pilots to plan accordingly. It is essential in aviation for maintaining schedules and managing arrivals at airports, particularly in busy airspace where precision timing is critical.

Other choices focus on different factors that do not directly provide a reliable calculation for ETA. Fuel consumption rate, weather conditions, and the speed of sound play roles in various operational aspects of flying but do not define a method for calculating the ETA directly. Proper ETA calculations hinge on understanding the aircraft's current ground speed and the distance remaining to the destination.