Headings

[mhcasey]

I'm pretty sure the answers to these questions are in the AIM, but I haven't been able to track them down.

When ATC assigns a heading, do they expect the pilot to attempt to fly that ground track, aka correct for wind, or do they just want you to fly that heading as it appears on the DG? It seems to me that given all of the questions in the written books about "ATC says traffic here, but you're holding this much correction, where do you look?" imply that you should try to fly the assigned heading along the ground, but I can't find a reference anywhere that says this is what one should do.

Also, does ATC typically expect this, or do they assume the pilot typically won't correct for wind (this is a practical question, not a "by the books what you're supposed to do" question)?

If the pilot is supposed to maintain the correct ground track assigned, are they supposed to do the same thing when given the instructions on takeoff to "maintain runway heading?" For some reason, I feel like I've read somewhere that you just fly that heading on the DG after takeoff and don't concern yourself with wind drift.

[TheOneMarine]

Thats correct as far as I know. IFR I've always flown the DG headings. I'm pretty sure the controllers have a way to figure out what wind is like for aircraft at all altitudes and they do that for you. I have had them as me what we were tracking though and thats when you need to compensate for wind and all that good stuff!

[ghogue]

From AIM P/CG:

FLY HEADING (DEGREES)- Informs the pilot of the heading he/she should fly. The pilot may have to turn to, or continue on, a specific compass direction in order to comply with the instructions. The pilot is expected to turn in the shorter direction to the heading unless otherwise instructed by ATC.

and;

RUNWAY HEADING - The magnetic direction that corresponds with the runway centerline extended, not the painted runway number. When cleared to "fly or maintain runway heading," pilots are expected to fly or maintain the heading that corresponds with the extended centerline of the departure runway. Drift correction shall not be applied; e.g., Runway 4, actual magnetic heading of the runway centerline 044, fly 044.

and;

AIM 4-4-9. Adherence to Clearance

b. When a heading is assigned or a turn is requested by ATC, pilots are expected to promptly initiate the turn, to complete the turn, and maintain the new heading unless issued additional instructions.

There are no references to adjust heading to maintain a ground track, and for "Runway Heading" pilots are specifically instructed not to apply drift correction. Fly the assigned heading and let ATC worry about your ground track.

[seagull]

They use the word "heading" to mean...heading.

There are some departures, particularly internationally, that specify you fly a particular track. HKG was that way, when departing through the "gap" from the old Kai Tek airport. Flying a heading with a strong crosswind could have made for a less than pleasant departure on that one! They state "track course", or "fly track" or similar. Of course, the aircraft assigned that have nav equip that allows for it...

[PilotChip]

You're right in thinking that ATC will give you a "wind-corrected" heading.

Always fly the DG heading, radar trails (AKA "History") will inform ATC whether you're on a good track or not.

Good question.

JC