Plain English Meaning

The compass direction the nose of the aircraft is pointing, given as a number of degrees from north.

Full Definition

The horizontal direction in which the longitudinal axis of an aircraft is pointed, expressed in degrees from north (000° to 360°), measured clockwise. Heading refers to where the nose is pointed, not necessarily the path the aircraft is travelling over the ground.

Context Anchor

You see heading during straight-and-level flight, on the compass or heading indicator, and whenever an instructor or controller tells you to fly or hold a certain direction.

Derivation

From the everyday sense of 'heading somewhere' — the direction you are facing or going. In aviation, it is tightened to a precise numerical direction the nose is pointed, measured in degrees from north.

Why Pilots Care

Precise heading control keeps the aircraft on the intended path; failure to it produces and .