FAA Ground School Practice Test

Which of the following best describes the wind effect on aircraft heading?

1. Wind affects only the ground speed

2. Wind affects both the true heading and ground speed

3. Wind only affects the ground direction

4. Wind does not affect airspeed

The correct answer is: Wind affects both the true heading and ground speed

Wind plays a significant role in the navigation of an aircraft by influencing both the true heading and ground speed. True heading refers to the reference direction in which the aircraft is pointed relative to true north. Ground speed is the speed at which the aircraft is moving over the ground. When wind is present, it can push the aircraft off its intended path, requiring the pilot to adjust the heading to maintain the desired flight trajectory. For example, if a plane is flying into a headwind, the aircraft will need to increase its true heading to counteract the wind and maintain the desired ground track. Conversely, with a tailwind, the ground speed will increase while the true heading might remain relatively constant. Therefore, both the direction in which the aircraft is flying (true heading) and how fast it is moving over the ground (ground speed) are impacted by the wind. This interrelationship is crucial for pilots to understand in order to effectively navigate and reach their intended destination accurately.