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How do you convert a true course plotted on a sectional chart with a plotter to a compass heading? The heading required to track along the true course.

Take into consideration magnetic errors and winds. Is there a mnemonic to help pilots remember the formula?

asked May 19 '10 at 21:26

wbeard52's gravatar image

wbeard52
206662545

edited May 23 '10 at 20:39


Are you looking for something like this?

True Course +/- Magnetic Variation = Magnetic Course
Magnetic Course +/- Winds = Magnetic Heading Magnetic Heading +/- Compass Deviation = Compass Heading

Mnemonic True Virgins Make Dull Companions
Timid Virgins Make Woefully Dull Company
Trite Vapid Men With Dopy Comments

answered May 25 '10 at 13:40

RichT's gravatar image

RichT
262

Those are interesting mnemonics. Usually the more outrageous a mnemonic is the easier it is to remember. That's what I was looking for.

(May 25 '10 at 22:08) wbeard52 wbeard52's gravatar image

Nice Rich! There's a question out ther on aviation mnemonics..these would be great additions!

(May 28 '10 at 19:09) Patrick Pohler ♦♦ Patrick%20Pohler's gravatar image

You have to take into account the magnetic variation which can also be found on the sectional charts (it is the Magenta dashed line which extends across the chart with a number ie. 12 E). The way i remember is that East is least and West is best? basically subtract easterly variation and add westerly variation.

As for winds I just look at the E6B if I remember correctly it is add right and subtract left?

answered May 20 '10 at 03:54

Sean%20C.'s gravatar image

Sean C.
7663926

You're correct. Could you write a mathematical formula to calculate the compass heading from the true course?

(May 20 '10 at 15:08) wbeard52 wbeard52's gravatar image
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Asked: May 19 '10 at 21:26

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Last updated: Jan 18 at 08:55

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