FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Navigation SystemsMedium
A pilot determines the magnetic bearing to a VOR station is 270° and the aircraft's magnetic heading is 090°. What is the relative bearing to the VOR station?
- A270°
- B000°
- C180°
- D090°
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 180°
Relative bearing is the angle measured clockwise from the aircraft's nose to the station. If the aircraft's heading is 090° and the VOR is at 270° magnetic, the VOR is directly behind the aircraft. 270° (magnetic bearing) - 090° (magnetic heading) = 180° relative bearing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 270° is the magnetic bearing to the station, not the relative bearing.
- B. 000° relative bearing means the station is directly ahead.
- D. 090° relative bearing means the station is directly off the right wing.
Relative Bearing
The angle between the aircraft's longitudinal axis (nose) and a specific radio beacon or object, measured clockwise from the nose.
- Calculated as Magnetic Bearing to Station - Magnetic Heading.
- If the result is negative, add 360°.
- If the result is greater than 360°, subtract 360°.
Memory trick: Mnemonic: 'M'e 'B'efore 'H'eading, 'R'elative is 'M'inus 'H'.