Navigation PPLadvanced
Explain why a pilot cannot generally use TAS alone to calculate arrival time and describe how a crosswind affects navigation.
Answer
TAS is speed through the surrounding air, while arrival-time calculations require groundspeed, which includes the wind's along-track component. A crosswind causes drift from the intended track; the pilot applies a wind correction angle to maintain the desired ground track.
Explanation
The aircraft moves through an air mass at TAS, but that air mass itself moves relative to the ground. The wind triangle combines these vectors to determine groundspeed and drift. A crosswind requires heading into the wind so the resulting ground track remains on course. **Key takeaway:** Plan time with GS and track with wind correction. **Glossary:** **Wind triangle**: vector relationship among TAS, wind, and GS.
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