An aircraft is 7 NM right of its planned route after flying 55 NM. The destination is 120 NM from the start. What approximate course change is needed to reach it directly?
Answer
14° left
Explanation
The aircraft must first correct the existing track error and then aim from its present position to the destination. The approximate correction uses the track-error relationship and the remaining distance; the keyed answer is 14° left. **Key takeaway:** Direct-to-destination correction must account for both accumulated error and remaining distance. **Glossary:** **Track error**: Lateral displacement from the planned route; **course change**: Change in intended direction.