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5 Answers

Navigation: Wind drift test question

Asked by: 2725 views General Aviation, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

A plane is flying on true heading 080 degrees. The wind is blowing from 310 degrees. It suddenly makes a change and blows from 040 degrees. Why does the drift get smaller and the ground speed is reduced? How can this be illustrated?

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5 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Feb 13, 2024

    Draw it out.

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  2. Oren on Feb 14, 2024

    I did. I still can’t figure out the crosswind and tail/headwind components affecting the place.

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  3. Best Answer


    Jeff Baum on Feb 16, 2024

    Mark’s right, draw it out.

    Use your plotter and a piece of paper. Draw a course line of 080 degrees. Draw a wind line of 310 degrees and pick a velocity, say 20 knots. Assume a True Airspeed of 150 kts.

    Now, use your E6B to determine your ground speed and right drift.

    Next, draw a wind line of 040 degrees. And assume the wind velocity remains 20 kts and your TAS remains 150 kts.

    Again, use your E6B to determine your new ground speed and right drift.

    Add those answers to your diagram and I think that you will see the answer.

    If you don’t you need more instruction from your CFI on E6B use and flight planning.

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  4. Oren on Feb 16, 2024

    It worked with your explanation, but it’s not only drawing it out; it’s making calculations given certain assumptions.

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  5. awair on Feb 16, 2024

    I agree with Mark, and drawing it out.

    However, it does not have to be that complicated.

    On a heading of 080, wind from 310 is 50 degrees off, with a tailwind component. Wind from 040 is only 40 degrees off, with a headwind component.

    Wind from 310 has a greater crosswind effect, therefore a larger drift correction.

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