Explain why track error angle and closing angle use different distances, and how they combine when an aircraft must regain track at its destination.

### Why this is right The two angles answer different questions. Track error describes the angular error accumulated over the completed part of the flight, while closing angle describes the angle required to remove the lateral displacement over the distance still available. ### The concept The 1-in-60 rule estimates an angle using lateral displacement divided by a relevant distance, multiplied by 60. The relevant distance depends on the task: use distance flown to find track error, and distance to the intended intercept to find closing angle. If the intercept is the destination, add both angles to determine the total correction from the original heading. If the intercept is earlier, calculate closure to that point and then return to the planned heading after rejoining the route. ### What a good answer covers - Track error uses distance already flown. - Closing angle uses distance remaining to the intercept. - Add the angles for recovery at the destination. - Resume planned heading after an earlier intercept. ### Terms - **Intercept**: A point where the aircraft rejoins its planned route. - **1-in-60 rule**: An approximate method for converting lateral displacement and distance into a small angle. ### Remember The point where you intend to rejoin determines the distance used for closing angle.