Heading is the direction an aircraft’s nose is pointed, measured in degrees from north, forming the foundation of aircraft navigation and ATC communication.
Heading in aviation is the angle between the direction in which an aircraft’s nose is pointed (its longitudinal axis) and a reference direction, measured in degrees clockwise from north—either true north or magnetic north. Unlike track or course, heading purely reflects the aircraft’s orientation, not its movement over the ground, which can be affected by wind. Headings are always reported as three digits for clarity (e.g., 090° for east).
Heading forms the bedrock of flight navigation, planning, and communication with air traffic control (ATC). It is crucial in both VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), and fundamental for safe, accurate flight.
A heading’s reference north can vary:
True heading is measured clockwise from true north (the geographic North Pole). It is primarily used in flight planning and on aeronautical charts, which are aligned with true north. To convert true heading to an operable in-flight heading, pilots must adjust for magnetic variation.
Magnetic heading is measured from magnetic north, which is what cockpit instruments like the magnetic compass and heading indicator display. To find magnetic heading:
Magnetic Heading = True Heading – Magnetic Variation
Magnetic variation differs by location and changes over time, making regular updates essential.
Compass heading is what the magnetic compass directly indicates, but it also includes deviation—errors caused by magnetic fields within the aircraft (from electrical components and metal). Pilots use a compass correction card to adjust for deviation and obtain an accurate heading.
| Heading Type | Reference North | Used For | Key Errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Heading | True (Geographic) | Flight planning, charts | None |
| Magnetic Heading | Magnetic | In-flight navigation | Magnetic variation |
| Compass Heading | Magnetic | Direct compass reading | Variation + deviation |
Pilots plot a course (intended ground path) on charts using true north. They adjust for forecast wind to calculate a true heading (direction the nose must point). Applying magnetic variation converts this to magnetic heading for practical use in the cockpit.
Pilots maintain heading using the heading indicator and magnetic compass, adjusting as necessary for wind and instrument errors. Electronic aids like GPS help cross-check and correct heading to ensure the desired track is maintained.
ATC issues instructions in terms of magnetic heading, e.g., “Turn right heading 270.” Pilots must promptly comply, confirming heading on their instruments and adjusting for wind as needed. In polar regions, grid heading may be used when magnetic references become unreliable.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Heading | Direction nose is pointed | 090° (east) |
| Course | Planned ground path on a map | 085° |
| Track | Actual ground path over the surface | 080° |
| Bearing | Angle between you and a nav aid/point | 045° |
Example:
Flying from A to B (due east, course 090°) with a north wind, you must fly a heading of 100° (crabbing into the wind) to maintain the intended track of 090°. The GPS track will match your course if you’ve compensated correctly.
Wind Correction Angle (WCA): The angle you must crab the aircraft into the wind, so your track matches the planned course.
Example Calculation:
Analogy:
Rowing a boat across a river: To land directly opposite, you must aim upstream to counter the current—just as a pilot must crab into the wind.
Best Practices:
Heading is more than just the way you point the aircraft—it’s a foundation for all safe, precise flying. Mastering heading, understanding its types, and learning how to manage wind correction and instrument errors are essential skills for every pilot. pilot.
Heading is the direction the aircraft’s nose is pointed, measured in degrees from north (true or magnetic). Course is the intended ground path plotted on a map. Track is the actual path over the ground, which may differ from heading due to wind.
Pilots determine a wind correction angle (WCA) to offset crosswinds. By adjusting the heading into the wind (“crabbing”), they ensure the aircraft’s track over the ground matches the intended course. This calculation is vital for accurate navigation.
Headings are always reported as three digits (e.g., 005°, 090°, 270°) to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in communication, especially with ATC, reducing the risk of misinterpretation.
Magnetic variation (or declination) is the angle between true north and magnetic north at a specific location. Pilots must add or subtract this variation to convert between true and magnetic heading, ensuring accurate navigation.
Pilots should realign the heading indicator with the magnetic compass every 15 minutes, or after significant maneuvers, and always in straight and level, unaccelerated flight to minimize errors from gyroscopic precession.
Mastering heading and navigation concepts is essential for safe, efficient flying—whether you're a student pilot or seasoned aviator. Discover more and sharpen your skills.
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