What should a pilot subtract when converting from true heading to true course?

When converting from true heading to true course, the pilot needs to account for the effect of wind on the aircraft's path. The correct approach involves subtracting the right wind correction angle from the true heading.

The true heading is the direction in which the aircraft's nose points, while the true course is the actual path the aircraft travels over the ground. If the wind is coming from the right, it will push the aircraft off course to the left, necessitating a right wind correction angle to maintain the intended path. Therefore, subtracting the right wind correction angle adjusts the heading to compensate for the drift caused by the wind, allowing the pilot to determine the true course.

This calculation is crucial for maintaining accuracy in navigation and ensuring the aircraft reaches its destination as intended. A misunderstanding or miscalculation in this process could result in the aircraft straying off its planned route, making it essential for pilots to have a strong grasp of these concepts.