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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-radio-directions-magnetic

On the radio, headings and wind directions are given relative to what, unless 'true' is said?

Magnetic north.

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  1. True north
  2. Magnetic north ✔
  3. Grid north

Why: The AIM says bearings, courses, headings and wind directions spoken on the radio should be magnetic. If true north is meant, the speaker adds the word true.

Huh, didn't know that: Written METAR and TAF winds are the opposite: they are given from true north.

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Why did the compass get the job? It always pointed people in the right direction.
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References

Answer: Magnetic north. The AIM says bearings, courses, headings and wind directions spoken on the radio should be magnetic. If true north is meant, the speaker adds the word true.

  1. Aeronautical Information Manual 4-2-10, Directions www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_2.html
    The three digits of bearing, course, heading, or wind direction should always be magnetic.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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