What does Wind Correction Angle stand for in navigation?

• A. Weather Check Algorithm
• B. Wing Correction Angle
• C. Weight Correction Angle
• D. Wind Correction Angle

Answer: (D)

Wind Correction Angle is the angle you must adjust your heading by to compensate for wind and stay on your intended ground track. When wind pushes the airplane off course, you point the nose into the wind by this angle so that the drift over the ground brings you back to the desired course. The bigger the crosswind or the slower your airspeed (relative to the wind), the larger the correction angle needs to be. If there’s no wind, the wind correction angle is zero and your heading and course align.

Other terms listed aren’t used in aviation navigation. Weather Check Algorithm isn’t a navigation term, and Wing Correction Angle or Weight Correction Angle aren’t standard concepts for maintaining course. The correct phrase simply describes the adjustment made to heading to counter wind drift.