A Really stupid question??

[Andayle]

Hiya allI have just started using the 737-800 and its a fantastic plane. I did my first successful flight today. One thing that happened was quite strange, ATC vectored me to final "turn left heading 030 decend and maintain 2500 feet untill established on the localizer" I dial in the alt and heading on the auto pilot. The plane turns left and starts to decend fine but once it is supposed to be on a heading of 030 the plane was actually on a heading of about 041. I had to keep adjusting the heading untill the plane was on a 030 heading but the heading selecter on the autopilot now read something like 021.I know its probably a feature but for someone like me this is my first REALISTIC plane, I have ever only flown the default 737 and 747 included with MSFS. When flying those and i dial in a heading of 030 the plane atcully flys 030.Any one give me a few tips of whats going on? Also if this is a feature whats the actually point of it?

[Mats_J]

Nameless,There are no stupid questions around here. Once in a while you'll see a stupid answer tho... ;-)You need to sign your posts with your name as per the forum rules however. Thanks.To your question. I think you were experiencing quite some cross winds at your final approach. This will point the plane to your heading but the track will be blown 'off course'. If this was your problem you should not compensate for this. It is up to ATC to compensate for wind. You just dial in the heading on the MCP. Hope it helps,

[Guest simonmd]

Yes sounds like a crosswind to me too. Try it with all weather off and you should see a difference.Don't forget that there is a big difference between Heading and Track. Heading is the dirrection the plane is pointing however Track is the direction you are actualy going.

[downscc]

If you look at the EFIS nav display, the number you see in the box at center top is your track. The heading is indicated by a grey upside down triangle to either side of the track when you are crabbing. Also note the compass displayed below the attitude display, it will show a heading center top and track as a grey line to either side.Not a stupid question... I flew this thing a couple of hours before I had it all sorted out and I have my instrument rating.