Bearing
Bearing is the direction from one point to another, expressed as an angle measured clockwise from a reference direction. In aviation, bearings are typically expressed as magnetic bearings (referenced to magnetic north) or true bearings (referenced to true north).
Types of Bearing
- Magnetic bearing TO (QDM): The magnetic heading the aircraft must fly to reach a VOR or NDB station (with no wind)
- Magnetic bearing FROM (QDR): The magnetic bearing from a navaid to the aircraft’s position (the radial)
- Relative bearing: Bearing measured clockwise from the aircraft’s nose — used with ADF
- True bearing: Bearing referenced to true north; used in polar navigation and on topographic charts
Bearing and Radials
A VOR radial is the bearing FROM the station (magnetic). To fly toward a VOR on the 270 radial, you would track outbound on a 270° magnetic bearing FROM the station, or inbound on a 090° magnetic bearing TO the station. This is a common source of confusion — always clarify whether you are working with a bearing TO or FROM.