Wind Correction Angle is used to compensate for what?

• A. Altitude changes
• B. Temperature variation
• C. Crosswinds
• D. Magnetic variation

Answer: (C)

Wind Correction Angle is the heading adjustment you use to counteract wind blowing across your intended path. When a crosswind pushes the airplane sideways, your nose ends up pointing away from the desired ground track. By steering into the wind by the wind correction angle, you cancel that drift and maintain the intended course over the ground. The amount you use depends on the crosswind speed relative to your airspeed (roughly the arctangent of the crosswind component divided by airspeed). For example, with a crosswind from the left and a given airspeed, you turn your heading a few degrees into the wind to keep the track aligned with your target route. This concept specifically addresses wind drift; altitude changes, temperature variation, and magnetic variation do not determine the wind correction angle.