What does 'compass heading' identify?

Compass heading identifies the direction the aircraft is pointing, as indicated by the magnetic compass. This measurement reflects the aircraft's orientation relative to magnetic north without any adjustments for variations or winds. In aviation, understanding compass heading is essential for navigation since it provides a direct reference from which pilots can make navigational decisions and corrections.

While other concepts like true heading, magnetic variation, and wind correction angles are important in navigation, these elements depend on the aircraft's compass heading as the foundational reference point. The compass heading will vary from the actual path the aircraft takes (ground track) due to factors like wind and magnetic deviation, but it remains a critical aspect for a pilot to understand to ensure accurate navigation.