Aeronautical Information Manual

AIM 4-2-10

Directions

This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.

The three digits of bearing, course, heading, or wind direction should always be magnetic. The word “true” must be added when it applies.

EXAMPLE-

(Magnetic course) 005 zero zero five

(True course) 050 zero five zero true

(Magnetic bearing) 360 three six zero

(Magnetic heading) 100 heading one zero zero

(Wind direction) 220 wind two two zero

Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 20, 2026.