When a controlled flight deviates from its track, what is the recommended action?

• A. Inform the ATC unit immediately
• B. If VMC, maintain this condition, waiting for the ATC instructions
• C. Adjust the heading of aircraft to regain track as soon as practicable
• D. Notify ATC of the new track immediately and comply with instructions

Answer: (C)

When a flight drifts from its assigned track, the priority is to return to the planned route as quickly and safely as possible. The practical way to do this is to adjust the aircraft’s heading to compensate for any drift and re-intercept the track, then continue on it. This immediate corrective action helps maintain navigation integrity and airspace separation, and you can coordinate with ATC as needed after you’ve rejoined the track.

Informing ATC or waiting for instruction before correcting the course isn’t the best approach because it delays rejoining the route. Reporting a new track immediately is appropriate only if ATC has issued or cleared such a deviation. The key idea is to regain the intended track as soon as practicable by adjusting the heading.