Definition
A circular scale divided into 360 degrees of horizontal direction, with 0° (or 360°) at the top representing north and the numbers increasing clockwise through east (90°), south (180°), and west (270°). On a heading indicator, the aircraft's current heading is read against this scale.
Plain English
A full circle marked off in 360 numbered steps, used to show direction. North is at 0°, and the numbers go around the circle clockwise back to 360°, which is the same point as 0°.
Context Anchor
Seen on the heading indicator, where the instrument shows aircraft heading on a circular compass-style display.
Derivation
Azimuth comes from the Arabic 'as-sumut,' meaning 'the directions.' It refers to a horizontal direction measured around a circle, as opposed to elevation, which is measured up or down.
Why Pilots Care
Enables precise reference to any heading or bearing using the full circle of directions on cockpit instruments.
Analogy
Think of it like the numbers around a clock face, except instead of 12 positions, the heading indicator uses 360 degrees to show every direction around the full circle.
Intuition Check
Do not read azimuth as up-and-down angle. In this context, it means direction around the horizon: north, east, south, west, and every degree between.
Example Sentence 1
The heading indicator's 360° azimuth showed the aircraft pointing at 270°, due west.
Example Sentence 2
The navigation chart uses a 360° azimuth to plot bearings from any point back to the airport.