The heading bug is a great flying tool, particularly when you’re flying IFR. But whether you have your instrument ticket or not, the heading bug can also be quite helpful on the ground on windy days, in any airplane, but especially if you’re flying a taildragger.
After you check the ATIS, set the heading bug to the broadcast wind direction and use it as a quick reference of where the wind is coming from. Unless your heading indicator is slaved, you also need to make sure that the instrument is set to the correct magnetic heading. Now the heading bug can be used to help you make proper wind correction control inputs during taxi. No matter which direction you’re turning to on the ground, the same rules apply.
