ATC Headings - PilotWorkshops http://www.pilotworkshop.com/tips/atc_heading_gps.

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ATC Assigned Headings

Featuring Bob Nardiello

Subscriber Question:

"Many times, especially during an IFR flight, I have been asked to change my heading
such as fly heading 030. My thought is that they are trying to route me to a specific
point. I doubt that it takes into account a wind drift since I have been asked to make
an additional turn several times. In conversation with another pilot, he stated that a
magnetic heading such as that requested should be flown. My thinking is that it is
more accurate to fly the requested heading as a GPS track. What are your thoughts on
this" - Don

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Bob:

"You should fly the magnetic heading assigned by

Air Traffic Control as indicated on your heading
indicator or magnetic compass. ATC is aware of the
prevailing wind and is taking that into account
(when assigning your heading).

ATC may be vectoring you to a specific point, or as

is likely the case they may be turning you to avoid
traffic or airspace. This could require several turns.
When ATC says fly heading 030...it means exactly
that. They didnt say fly GPS track 030.

If you were to fly the requested heading as a GPS

track, then it would no longer be a heading."

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Roy Good 2 hours ago

When folks draw a line on a chart or on a scope and call it a heading and not a course or
desired track there is confusion in terms and context. ODP's are a prime example of this
kind of error. They generally take into consideration wind effect on rates of climb, but not
drift corrections.

OF COURSE YOU FOLLOW HEADING INSTRUCTIONS! Don't be silly!

(Let's put that idea to rest, okay?)

But, doesn't the instruction to "turn further left / right to new heading, turn further left/right"
suggest the controller is trying to solve a track problem?

The issue is that emerging technology and the ability to maintain a course or track in the
airplane -- something GPS systems do with great accuracy -- may simplify the controller's
job and not be distracted from more pressing controller issues.

PAR's? The perfect solution for nothing but a radio, needle, ball, and airspeed. ... the
perfect fall back unlucky souls caught on top without IAP's or skills. PAR/ASR procedures
are built around a controller's ability to kill drift and bring you in. I've landed from PAR's
where I needed a follow-me to taxi off the runway during zero-zero approach studies in the
Air Force. Most PAR's have been shut down or the equipment has been decommissioned
for lack of use or qualified operators. Most ASR approaches -- a standard tool on Class C
airspace have quietly faded into the past.

Keep your DG and primary heading indicator in sync ... and your portable GPS antenna
away from the compass. And press on with the rest of us, Vince. The sand may be shifting
around our feet. The vernacular is changing. "SMH?" Come ON.
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disqus_88kBbrGlEl 2 hours ago

Mr. Palmire...More than a little snotty comment. How about something constructive?
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Vincent Palmire 4 hours ago

Roy......I don't know where to begin with a comment like "the vernacular is changing...."
SMH
A walking poster child for age based recert. PLEASE post when you will be flying so I wont
be up there with you
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Dan Eifert 5 hours ago

I'm retired ATC and cannot agree more strongly with with Peter Howe; a heading is a
heading is a heading. That's not to say that in changing times that it may be advantageous
for start looking into new phraseology that specifies a ground track. This work that a lot of
guess work out of it for ATC. But until then, a heading is a heading, fly it! And keep you DG
set to your compass.
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Jan Zumwalt 5 hours ago

Don't pilots read the AIM anymore? The AIM explains this clearly. ATC is responsible for
the track - not the pilot. You fly the heading you've been given. For example, when
shooting approaches with PAR, the pilot is a monkey at the controls, he is not supposed to
think, just do what he is told. Usually ATC will give a quick sermon reminding you that
during the approach you are not to use ground reference - just hold the headings.

Magnetic heading (not GPS) is the worldwide standard. Using a compass heading puts
everybody on the same page regardless of aircraft type or equipment.

During a takeoff, the AIM says the pilot must hold runway center line track until past the
controller tower, after that you fly headings if given. I am usually told to "maintain heading"
which is whatever was needed to maintain center line track during the takeoff..

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