Table of Contents
Wind Correction in Aviation
Wind correction angle (WCA) is the heading adjustment a pilot makes to compensate for crosswind drift. Without correction, wind pushes the aircraft off course. The stronger the crosswind relative to airspeed, the larger the correction. Accurate wind correction is essential for VFR navigation and instrument approaches.
Pilots use E6B flight computers, GPS ground track, or mental math to determine the required heading adjustment. The WCA depends on wind speed, wind direction relative to course, and true airspeed.
Formula
True heading = true course + WCA. Ground speed is approximately TAS + headwind component.
Crosswind Limits
| Aircraft | Max Crosswind (kts) |
|---|---|
| Cessna 172 | 15 |
| Boeing 737 | 33 |
| Airbus A320 | 38 |
| Boeing 777 | 38 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if crosswind exceeds TAS?
The aircraft cannot maintain course and will drift. This is rare in practice but possible with very light aircraft in severe weather.
How do pilots know winds aloft?
Weather services provide forecasts. GPS ground track vs heading reveals actual wind in flight. ATIS broadcasts surface winds at airports.
Does WCA change with altitude?
Yes, because wind varies with altitude. Higher altitudes generally have stronger winds. Pilots must use winds aloft data for their cruising altitude.