Wind Correction Angle Calculator
The wind correction angle (WCA) is the crab angle an aircraft must maintain so that its track over the ground aligns with the desired course. This calculator solves the wind triangle: given your true course, true airspeed, wind direction and wind speed, it computes the true heading to fly and the resulting ground speed. These values are essential for dead reckoning navigation, VFR flight planning, and ETA calculations.
Wind triangle formulas
wind_angle = wind_direction - true_course
WCA = arcsin((wind_speed / TAS) x sin(wind_angle))
True Heading = True Course + WCA
Ground Speed = TAS x cos(WCA) + wind_speed x cos(wind_angle)
A positive WCA means wind is from the right; add to course to get heading. A negative WCA means wind from the left; subtract from course. Ground speed increases with a tailwind component and decreases with a headwind component. All angles are in degrees; the calculator converts to radians internally.
Practical navigation tips
- For magnetic heading, subtract magnetic variation from true heading (East variation is subtracted; West variation is added: "East is least, West is best").
- For compass heading, also apply deviation from your compass card.
- METAR winds are in degrees magnetic for most reporting stations worldwide; check your specific METAR encoding.
- Always double-check calculated headings against the E6B or EFB before departure.
- Re-check WCA in flight: winds aloft often differ from the forecast. Use visual checkpoints to verify your actual track.
Wind correction angle calculator: frequently asked questions
What is wind correction angle?
Wind correction angle (WCA) is the angular difference between the true heading an aircraft must fly and the desired true course, required to compensate for the effect of wind on the aircraft's track over the ground. If wind blows from the right, you must head right of your desired course to track straight to your destination.
How is wind correction angle calculated?
WCA = arcsin((wind speed / TAS) x sin(wind angle from course)), where wind angle from course is the angle between the wind direction and the desired course. This is derived from the standard wind triangle (the vector sum of TAS and wind velocity equals ground speed vector). The FAA E6B flight computer solves this graphically.
What is the wind triangle?
The wind triangle is the vector relationship between true airspeed (TAS), wind velocity, and ground speed. TAS vector plus wind velocity vector equals ground speed vector. Solving the wind triangle gives the heading to fly and the resulting ground speed, which are essential for accurate navigation and ETA calculation.
What is the difference between heading and course?
Course (or track) is the direction of flight over the ground, from departure to destination. Heading is the direction the aircraft nose points. Because of wind, heading and course differ by the wind correction angle. Ground speed is your actual speed over the ground, which differs from TAS due to wind.
How does this help with flight planning?
By computing WCA and ground speed, you can determine the true heading to fly on each leg, the ground speed on each leg, and therefore the time and fuel required for each leg. These are the fundamental inputs for a VFR flight plan and for filing in the FAA's DUATS or ForeFlight systems.
Official sources
- FAA: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Chapter 16: Navigation.
- FAA: Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.