If a pilot has a predetermined true heading of 020 degrees and a magnetic variation of 7 degrees East, what magnetic heading should be flown?

To determine the correct magnetic heading when given a true heading and magnetic variation, it is important to understand how magnetic variation (also known as magnetic declination) affects navigation.

A true heading is the direction in which the aircraft is pointed relative to true north. When there is a magnetic variation, it indicates the difference between true north and magnetic north. In this scenario, the pilot's predetermined true heading is 020 degrees and the magnetic variation is 7 degrees East.

To convert the true heading to magnetic heading, if the variation is East, you need to subtract the variation from the true heading. Therefore, you would calculate the magnetic heading as follows:

Magnetic Heading = True Heading - Magnetic Variation

Magnetic Heading = 020 degrees - 7 degrees = 013 degrees.

This calculation shows that the aircraft should fly a magnetic heading of 013 degrees to compensate for the eastward magnetic variation. Therefore, the correct answer is indeed 013 degrees, which corresponds to the first option presented.