Definition
The projection on the earth's surface of the path of an aircraft, the direction of which path at any point is usually expressed in degrees from North (True, Magnetic, or Grid).
Plain English
Track is the actual path the aircraft has flown over the ground, drawn as a line on the surface below. The direction of that line at any point is given as a compass bearing measured from north.
Context Anchor
Seen in navigation, flight planning, GPS displays, and discussions of wind correction.
Derivation
From the Old French 'trac', meaning a trail or footprint left behind. The aviation use keeps that idea: track is the trail the aircraft leaves on the ground beneath it as it flies.
Why Pilots Care
Distinguishing track from heading is essential for accurate navigation and complying with ATC instructions when wind drifts the aircraft.
Grounding Statement
If you could draw a line on the ground directly under the aircraft as it moves, that line would show its track.
Intuition Check
Do not read track as a runway, route, or planned course here. In this ICAO aviation use, track means the aircraft’s actual path over the ground.
Example Sentence 1
With a strong crosswind from the left, the pilot held a heading of 270 degrees but the track over the ground was closer to 280 degrees.
Example Sentence 2
A strong crosswind caused the aircraft to drift, so the pilot adjusted heading to regain the desired track.