Wind Correction Angle Calculator
Calculate wind correction angle for aircraft navigation and heading adjustment
Calculate Wind Correction Angle
Aircraft's speed relative to the air mass
Desired course direction (0° = North, 90° = East)
Speed of the wind affecting the aircraft
Direction FROM which wind is blowing (0° = North)
Navigation Results
Wind Correction Angle (θ)
Aircraft Heading (φ)
Wind Angle (δ)
Ground Speed
Formula: θ = arcsin((WS/TAS) × sin(δ))
Wind Components: Cross: -14.1 kn, Head/Tail: -14.1 kn
Navigation: Point aircraft nose at 81.9° to maintain course 90°
Wind Analysis
Example Calculation
Flight Example: Eastbound with Northeast Wind
True Airspeed: 100 knots
Desired Course: 90° (East)
Wind Speed: 20 knots
Wind Direction: 45° (from Northeast)
Calculation Steps
1. Wind angle: δ = 90° - (180° + 45°) = -135°
2. sin(θ) = (20/100) × sin(-135°) = 0.2 × (-0.707) = -0.141
3. θ = arcsin(-0.141) = -8.1°
4. Heading: φ = 90° + (-8.1°) = 81.9°
Result: Turn left 8.1° to heading 81.9°
Aviation Terms
Wind Correction Angle
Angle between heading and course
+ = Right, - = Left
Course Azimuth
Desired direction of travel
True bearing from north
Heading
Direction aircraft nose points
Course + correction angle
Wind Direction Reference
Navigation Tips
Wind direction = direction FROM which wind blows
Positive angle = turn right (starboard)
Negative angle = turn left (port)
Strong crosswinds require larger corrections
Understanding Wind Correction Angle
What is Wind Correction Angle?
Wind correction angle (WCA) is the angle between an aircraft's desired course and its actual heading. When wind blows across the flight path, the aircraft will drift off course unless the pilot adjusts the heading to compensate for the wind's effect.
Why is it Important?
- •Ensures aircraft reaches intended destination
- •Maintains accurate navigation along planned route
- •Optimizes fuel consumption and flight time
- •Critical for aviation safety and precision
Vector Analysis
Primary Formula
θ = arcsin((WS/TAS) × sin(δ))
θ = Wind correction angle
WS = Wind speed
TAS = True airspeed
δ = Wind angle (course - wind direction)
Key Insight: The formula uses the law of sines to solve the wind triangle, determining the precise heading needed to maintain the desired course.
Wind Triangle Components
True Airspeed Vector
Aircraft's speed through the air mass, representing the velocity vector of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air.
Wind Vector
Wind speed and direction, representing the velocity of the air mass relative to the ground.
Ground Speed Vector
Resultant velocity of the aircraft over the ground, combining true airspeed and wind effects.
Practical Applications
- ✈️Commercial Aviation: Autopilot wind correction systems
- 🛩️General Aviation: Manual navigation and flight planning
- 🚁Helicopter Operations: Precise positioning and hovering
- 🎯Military Aviation: Tactical navigation and targeting