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Which formula may be correct to calculate the magnetic heading (MH)?

  • A

    MH = TH - VAR

  • B

    MH = TH - DEV

  • C

    MH = TH + DEV

  • D

    MH = TH + WCA

For this type of questions, the comprehension of some basic definitions is required:

  • Heading is the angle from the aircraft's fore and aft axis to the north datum. True north in case of a true heading, magnetic north in the case of a magnetic heading.
  • Wind Correction Angle (WCA) is the correction to be made on the heading, because of the wind, so as to follow the desired track. WCA is equal to the drift, but has opposite sign. For example, when dift is 3°Right(+), then WCA is 3°Left(-). WCA goes from track to heading.
  • Variation is the difference between true and magnetic heading or between true and magnetic track. Remember the rhyme: Variation East(+), Magnetic Least - Variation West(-), Magnetic Best.
  • Deviation is the difference between magnetic and compass heading or between magnetic and compass track. Remember the rhyme: Deviation East(+), Compass Least - Deviation West(-), Compass Best.

Thus, the formula that may be correct to calculate the Magnetic Heading is (provided that the variation is East):

  • MH = TH - VAR

NOTES:

  • TH: True heading
  • MH: Magnetic Heading

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