ADF indicates a course bearing in reference to what?

ADF indicates a course bearing in reference to what?

• A. The aircraft heading
• B. The magnetic north
• C. The true north
• D. The ground track

Answer: (A)

ADF bearings come from a radio beacon (NDB) and are displayed relative to the airplane’s own orientation. The instrument’s bearing is oriented to the aircraft’s heading, so the direction shown tells you where the beacon lies in relation to where the nose is pointing. In other words, you’re reading a course bearing with respect to the aircraft heading, not to magnetic north, true north, or your actual path over the ground. Wind can change what you actually fly over the ground (ground track), but the ADF’s indication remains tied to the aircraft’s heading, guiding you toward the beacon accordingly.

ADF bearings come from a radio beacon (NDB) and are displayed relative to the airplane’s own orientation. The instrument’s bearing is oriented to the aircraft’s heading, so the direction shown tells you where the beacon lies in relation to where the nose is pointing. In other words, you’re reading a course bearing with respect to the aircraft heading, not to magnetic north, true north, or your actual path over the ground. Wind can change what you actually fly over the ground (ground track), but the ADF’s indication remains tied to the aircraft’s heading, guiding you toward the beacon accordingly.