Which statement correctly differentiates true course, magnetic course, and heading?

Study for the KPMD Pilot Initial Qualification Exercise Test. Engage with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and explore hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which statement correctly differentiates true course, magnetic course, and heading?

Explanation:
The key idea is knowing how these directions relate to north references and wind. True course is the geographic direction you want to fly over the ground, measured relative to true north. Magnetic course is that same direction expressed relative to magnetic north, after applying magnetic variation. Heading is the direction the aircraft’s nose is pointed, which can differ from the desired course when wind pushes the airplane off its path; you adjust the heading to compensate for wind so you stay on course. So true course is geographic; magnetic course accounts for variation; heading is the aircraft’s actual nose direction, adjusted for wind.

The key idea is knowing how these directions relate to north references and wind. True course is the geographic direction you want to fly over the ground, measured relative to true north. Magnetic course is that same direction expressed relative to magnetic north, after applying magnetic variation. Heading is the direction the aircraft’s nose is pointed, which can differ from the desired course when wind pushes the airplane off its path; you adjust the heading to compensate for wind so you stay on course. So true course is geographic; magnetic course accounts for variation; heading is the aircraft’s actual nose direction, adjusted for wind.