COURSES AND HEADINGS IN AIR AVIATION (Part 1)

DIRECTION ON EARTH

- The North Pole is used as the reference point in determining the direction.
- Main cardinal points: North, South, East, West
- Quadrantal points: NW, NE,SE,SW
“Though the system is used, this is not accurate enough for air navigation.”
- Sexagesimal System: A numerical direction system consisting of 360 degree
starting from north and derived from the cardinal points system. A particular
direction can be expressed precisely using angles.

COURSE- is basically the path to follow.

- It can be expressed using both cardinal and quadrantal directions.

- It can be expressed in degrees according to the Sexagesimal System.

GEOGRAPHIC NORTH POLE (TRUE NORTH)

- It is where the meridians converge and through which the planet’s axis of
rotation passes.

TRUE COURSE (TC)

- It is the angle between true north and the course

- It is always measured in degree clockwise from true north
Take note: Meridians always points always points to true north.
- A meridian can be used as reference to measure the TC.

MAGNETIC COMPASS

- It is used to determine the direction in relation to magnetic north

How does the compass know where north is?

- The compass’ needle aligns with the earth’s magnetic field lines.

Earth’s Magnetic Field

- The movement of molten metals in the planet’s core induces the creation of a
magnetic field around the earth in other word the earth is a giant magnet.
- It protects the earth from the solar wind and excess cosmic radiation
- It allows the magnetic compasses to point north

MAGNETIC NORTH POLE

 - It is the point through which the magnetic field lines re- enter the planet
- It is the point to which all compasses point.
Take note: The geographic North Pole and the magnetic north pole are
located in different places.

MAGNETIC COURSE (MC)

- The angle between the magnetic north and the course

- It is always measured in degree clockwise from magnetic north

How can we measure the difference between the true north and magnetic north?

- The difference between true north and magnetic north is called the magnetic
variation.

What is MAGNETIC VARIATION (Mag Var)?

- A.K.A Magnetic Declination.

- It is defined as the angle between true north and magnetic north
- It can be either East or West depending to our position on earth

When the magnetic north is to the east of true north we have an east variation. When
the true and magnetic north is in the same direction there is no variation. And when the
magnetic north is in the west variation of true north we have a west variation.

 When there is an east variation this means that magnetic north is to the east of
true north. Having an east magnetic variation the MC will be smaller than the TC.
Why; As a rule of thumb when the variation is to the east we must subtract sin
MC will be equal to TC minus the variation (refer to the equation below)
MC= TC- Variation
 When there is a west variation the magnetic north is to the west of true north.
Having a west magnetic variation, the MC will be greater than the TC. Why; As a
rule of thumb when a variation is to the west we must add since the magnetic
course will be equal to the TC plus the variation (refer to the equation below).

MC= TC + Variation

 When there is zero variation, it means that both the magnetic north and true
north are on the same direction. The MC and TC will be equal.

How to determine the current variation?

 - A complete model has been created. The lines (Isogonic Lines) represent a
specific magnetic variation angle.

Isogonic Lines

- The lines that join points of equal magnetic variation.

- The isogonic lines closest to our position are used as reference.

Agonic Lines

- Lines the joins points of zero.