Which term defines the heading that a pilot intends to follow to maintain a course?

Course Heading refers to the specific direction a pilot aims to follow for navigation purposes, indicating where the aircraft is intended to go. This term is critical in flight planning and navigation, as it informs not only the pilot but also air traffic controllers of the intended route.

Understanding Course Heading is essential because it helps in maintaining the desired flight path, accounting for any necessary adjustments due to wind and other atmospheric conditions. By focusing on this heading, pilots can ensure they are on the right track to reach their destination, providing a clear reference for both navigation and communication with air traffic control.

In the context of aviation terminology, True Heading refers to the direction relative to true north, and Magnetic Heading refers to the direction relative to magnetic north, which are influenced by factors like declination. Ground Track, on the other hand, describes the actual trajectory of the aircraft over the ground, which may vary due to wind conditions or other factors. Understanding these distinctions is vital for pilots to accurately navigate and communicate their intentions.