What is the heading from SITE X to Tree Field?

What is the heading from SITE X to Tree Field?

• A. 160
• B. 180
• C. 175
• D. 170

Answer: (C)

To find the heading, you read the chart for the magnetic bearing along the straight line from SITE X to Tree Field. In aviation, headings are given in magnetic degrees, not true degrees. The line between SITE X and Tree Field on the chart points almost due south with just a touch of east in it, which corresponds to a magnetic heading of about 175 degrees. That’s why 175 is the correct heading. If wind were a factor, you’d adjust to maintain the desired ground track, but with no wind considered, the heading equals the line’s bearing. A heading of 180 would be straight south, missing the slight easterly tilt; a heading around 170 or 160 would push the line more to the east than the actual path.

To find the heading, you read the chart for the magnetic bearing along the straight line from SITE X to Tree Field. In aviation, headings are given in magnetic degrees, not true degrees. The line between SITE X and Tree Field on the chart points almost due south with just a touch of east in it, which corresponds to a magnetic heading of about 175 degrees. That’s why 175 is the correct heading.

If wind were a factor, you’d adjust to maintain the desired ground track, but with no wind considered, the heading equals the line’s bearing. A heading of 180 would be straight south, missing the slight easterly tilt; a heading around 170 or 160 would push the line more to the east than the actual path.