In the context of isogonic lines, how is the west variation corrected?

Prepare for the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Basics Block 3 Test. Study with in-depth flashcards, hints, and explanations for each question. Ace your ATC exam!

In aviation, isogonic lines represent areas on a map where the magnetic declination, or variation, is the same. When navigating, pilots must correct their heading based on the magnetic variation to ensure they are heading toward their intended destination accurately.

When it comes to west variation, it indicates that magnetic north is to the west of true north. To correct for west variation, pilots need to adjust their navigational reference. Specifically, they must add degrees to their magnetic heading to convert it to a true heading. This adjustment ensures that a pilot's directional readings account for the influence of magnetic declination, allowing for more precise navigation.

For example, if a pilot has a magnetic heading but is in an area with a known west variation of 10 degrees, they would add 10 degrees to their magnetic heading to find the true heading. This method ensures that the pilot accurately aligns their flight path with the actual geographical directions.

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