Which of the following is true about the relationship between track and heading in the presence of wind?

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!

The answer highlights a fundamental concept in aviation navigation: the relationship between track and heading and the impact of wind. In the presence of wind, the aircraft's heading, which is the direction the nose of the aircraft points, may not align with its track, the actual path over the ground. This discrepancy occurs due to wind pushing the aircraft off course.

To maintain a desired ground track in windy conditions, pilots must adjust their heading. This adjustment is necessary to compensate for the wind's effect and ensure the aircraft follows the intended path over the ground, thus enabling accurate navigation. This is often referred to as "wind correction angle," where the pilot alters the heading to counteract the wind's influence.

The other options do not accurately describe the relationship: while track and heading can be the same in calm conditions with no wind, this is not generally true in windy scenarios. The statement about track always being greater than heading is misleading, as the relationship between the two depends on the wind's direction and strength. Moreover, saying that track affects ground speed only ignores the important role of heading adjustments required to maintain the desired track, particularly in changing wind conditions. Therefore, the assertion that heading must be adjusted to maintain track accurately reflects the necessary navigation practices in aviation.

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