Definition
The intended horizontal direction of travel of an aircraft, measured in degrees from north (true, magnetic, or grid), and usually drawn as a line on a chart from the point of departure to the destination.
Plain English
The direction you plan to fly, expressed as a compass number and shown as a line on the map between where you started and where you are going.
Context Anchor
You will see course in navigation, flight planning, and when following a selected path on a chart or cockpit display.
Derivation
From the Latin 'cursus,' meaning 'a running' or 'path traveled.' In navigation it kept this sense of a planned path — the line you intend to follow across the ground.
Why Pilots Care
Maintaining the correct course keeps the aircraft on the planned route, avoids hazards, and ensures arrival at the destination.
Intuition Check
Course does not mean a class or lesson here. In aviation, course means the intended direction of travel, measured from north.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot turned to intercept the course of 270 degrees toward the next waypoint.
Example Sentence 2
Strong winds required a heading change to stay on the desired course.