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9.7.3.4 Wind component (WC)

The difference between GS and TAS is called the wind component (WC).

- If GS is greater than TAS – you have a tailwind – WC is positive,

- WC is negative in a headwind, as GS here is less than TAS.

9.7.3.5 Wind direction (W) and velocity (V)

- Wind direction (W) is given in degrees

- Wind Velocity (V) is given in nautical miles per hour (kts).

The direction given is the

direction the wind is coming

from.

In some places the wind is given

as m/sec. If this is the case,

multiply by 2 to get the wind in

KT!

E.g.: 6 m/sec = 12 KT (knots).

Let's make it a little clearer:

GS: Ground Speed – the speed of the aircraft on track in relation to the
ground

TAS: True Air Speed – the aircraft's true speed in the air

WCA: Wind Correction Angle – Wind correction angle

TRACK: Where the aircraft's position above the ground is or is planned to
be
HEADING: The direction the aircraft's nose is pointing (extension of the

aircraft's longitudinal axis)

TT: True track – track measured in relation to true north (geographic
north)

MT: Magnetic track – track measured in relation to magnetic north.

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Flyveteori PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 850