FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the magnetic heading for a flight from Priest River Airport to Shoshone County Airport, given a wind from 030° at 12 knots?

1. 121°

2. 352°

3. 042°

4. 004°

The correct answer is: 121°

The correct answer of 121° represents the magnetic heading that accounts for both the intended track from Priest River Airport to Shoshone County Airport and the influence of the wind coming from 030° at 12 knots. To arrive at this heading, pilots need to determine the course they need to fly, which is typically found using a navigational chart or flight planner to establish the direct course between the two airports. Assuming the course is established, the next step is to compensate for the wind correction angle. In this scenario, with a wind from 030°, the pilot adds an eastward correction to counteract the wind's effect, which pushes an aircraft west of its intended path. After making the appropriate calculations, factoring in the wind speed and direction, the resulting magnetic heading of 121° allows the aircraft to maintain the intended track towards the destination airport despite the wind's influence. The other options reflect different angles that do not properly account for the wind correction needed for this specific flight path, making them unsuitable choices in this scenario.