Definition
The planned course between two waypoints, measured in degrees from either magnetic or true north. It is the path the pilot intends to fly over the ground, as defined by the navigation system.
Plain English
The line on the ground you are trying to fly along, from one point to the next, expressed as a compass direction.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight planning, moving-map navigation, and instrument navigation when comparing the planned path with the airplane’s actual path over the ground.
Derivation
“Desired” means wanted or intended. In aviation, “track” means the airplane’s path across the ground, not the direction the nose is pointing. Together, “Desired Track” means the ground path you intend to fly.
Why Pilots Care
Comparing your actual track to the desired track tells you whether you are on course, drifting left, or drifting right. Wind will push the aircraft off the desired track unless you correct your heading to compensate.
Analogy
It is like drawing a line on a map before a trip. The line is the path you intend to follow, even if you have to steer a little left or right along the way to stay on it.
Intuition Check
Do not read “track” here as a runway, a recording, or just the airplane’s heading. Desired Track means the intended path over the ground.
Example Sentence 1
The GPS showed a desired track of 270 degrees, so the pilot turned the aircraft west and adjusted for the wind from the north.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot adjusted heading to stay on the desired track despite a crosswind.