FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)Navigation and Flight PlanningMedium
A pilot's flight plan shows a true course of 270°. Using a flight computer, the pilot determines a wind correction angle of 5° right. The isogonic line near the route indicates 8° east variation, and the compass correction card shows a deviation of -1° on the resulting heading. What compass heading should the pilot fly?
- A275°
- B266°
- C263°
- D261°
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 266°
True heading = TC + WCA = 270 + 5 = 275. Magnetic heading = TH - East variation = 275 - 8 = 267. Compass heading = MH + deviation = 267 + (-1) = 266°.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is the true heading before variation and deviation are applied.
- C. This applies the deviation before variation, giving an incorrect order.
- D. This subtracts too much, mixing up the variation direction.
True Course to Compass Heading
Converting a true course to a compass heading requires sequentially applying wind correction angle, magnetic variation, and compass deviation.
- TC + WCA = True Heading (TH)
- TH ± Variation = Magnetic Heading (MH); subtract East, add West
- MH ± Deviation = Compass Heading (CH)
Memory trick: 'True Virgins Make Dull Company' — True, Variation, Magnetic, Deviation, Compass (East is Least, West is Best).