FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Airspace and NavigationHard
A pilot is on a true course of 270°. The wind correction angle is 5° right, the magnetic variation is 8°E, and the compass deviation is −3°. What compass heading should the pilot fly?
- A264°
- B278°
- C267°
- D270°
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 264°
True Heading = True Course + WCA = 270° + 5° = 275°. Magnetic Heading = True Heading − Variation(East) = 275° − 8° = 267°. Compass Heading = Magnetic Heading + Deviation = 267° + (−3°) = 264°.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This results from adding variation instead of subtracting it for an easterly variation.
- C. This is the magnetic heading before applying deviation, not the final compass heading.
- D. This is the original true course with no corrections applied.
True Course to Compass Heading Conversion
To fly the correct compass heading, sequentially apply wind correction angle, magnetic variation, and compass deviation to the true course using the mnemonic 'True Virgins Make Dull Company, Add Whiskey' (TVMDC, East is Least/West is Best in reverse for corrections).
- TH = TC + WCA (right WCA adds, left subtracts)
- MH = TH − Variation(East) or + Variation(West)
- CH = MH + Deviation (apply sign as given on compass card)
Memory trick: 'True Virgins Make Dull Company' — True, Variation, Magnetic, Deviation, Compass.