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NavigationQuestion 278 of 934

The wind blows across the course from the left. How does the pilot correct for drift?

  1. Point the airplane to the right of the course
  2. Point the airplane to the left of the course
  3. Fly the reciprocal heading
  4. Increase airspeed and hold the course heading
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Correct answer: Point the airplane to the left of the course

With a wind from the left, the pilot points the airplane to the left to offset the drift.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 16: Navigation — Effect of Wind, page 396

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026