Definition
A navigation technique used to track a desired course by making small, alternating corrections on either side of the course line. The pilot determines how much wind correction is needed by observing how the aircraft drifts, then narrows the corrections progressively until the aircraft tracks straight along the intended course.
Plain English
A method of finding the right heading to stay on course by trying a correction one way, seeing how the aircraft drifts, then trying a smaller correction the other way, and gradually closing in on the heading that keeps you tracking straight.
Context Anchor
Used during navigation, especially when following an instrument course and correcting for wind drift.
Derivation
From the artillery term 'bracketing,' where gunners would fire one shot long and one shot short of the target, then adjust between them to zero in. The aviation use is the same idea: overshoot one way, undershoot the other, then close the gap.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a reliable way to fix position or intercept a radial without advanced equipment or when uncertain of exact location.
Analogy
It is like adjusting a shower handle a little hotter, then a little colder, until you find the setting that feels right.
Intuition Check
Bracketing does not mean putting marks around text. In flying, it means using corrections on both sides of the desired course to find the heading that holds it.
Example Sentence 1
After noticing the needle drifting left, the student used bracketing to find the heading that held the VOR course steady.
Example Sentence 2
Using bracketing on the ADF, she flew headings on either side of the station until the needle centered and she knew she was on course.