Measuring true track on a chart

True track: A-to-B line angle, measured clockwise from true north (PHAK ch.16).

Tools (TP 1102, Preparing the Chart):

Steps:

1. Draw line from departure to destination (PHAK ch.16).
2. Measure where line crosses a meridian (line of longitude). Long course: use meridian nearest the midpoint, as meridians converge toward the poles (PHAK ch.16).
3. Apply variation for magnetic track.

No protractor:

• Magnetic track: compare line to an airway or a track flown, or hold a pencil at the same angle over a VOR compass rose.
• True track: estimate line's angle to latitude and longitude lines (TP 1102), then apply variation.

Cardinal tracks (from true north):

Reverse track (B to A) = A-to-B ± 180° (TP 1102, Reciprocal Track).

Trap: swapping north/east offsets, or reporting true track when magnetic was asked.

Practice