6.14 Principles and Terminology

6.14.2 Define:

(a) true and magnetic track required;

The intended path of an aircraft over the ground, represented on a map as a line connecting the departure point and destination, referenced to either True North or Magnetic North.

(b) wind velocity (W/V);

The speed and direction of the wind.

• Expressed as a five-, or six-figure group.

  • The first three figures indicate the direction from which the wind blows.

  • The last two, or three figures indicate the wind speed.

• Depending on context, the direction and speed figures may be written together or separated by a forward slash.

Examples:

• A wind of 30 kts from the South:

  • 180/30KT or 18030KT

• A wind of 8 kts from the West:

  • 270/08KT or 27008KT

• A wind of 110 kts from the North:

  • 360/110KT or 360110KT

Notes:

• Wind direction in ATIS or given by ATC is in degrees magnetic.

• Wind direction in METAR, TAF, or GRAFOR reports is in degrees True.

(c) head/tail wind;

• Headwind: A component of the wind blowing directly against the aircraft’s direction of travel, reducing ground speed.

• Tailwind: A component of the wind blowing in the same direction as the aircraft’s travel, increasing ground speed.

(d) cross wind;

• A component of the wind blowing perpendicular to the aircraft’s direction of travel.