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Center the Heading Bug

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Keeping the heading bug centered, even when the autopilot is in NAV mode, is a beneficial practice for pilots.
  • This habit ensures the aircraft remains stable when transitioning to heading mode and prepares pilots for unexpected events like ATC vectors or autopilot disengagement.
  • Modern glass cockpits make this effortless with dedicated centering buttons, making it an easy and worthwhile habit to maintain.
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When you’re flying along a flight plan using your autopilot with the nav source engaged, you may think the heading bug is insignificant since it is not in use by the autopilot. But while the heading bug may not be active, it is worth keeping it centered as you fly along.

With the heading bug centered the display looks more streamlined. Unless you expect to turn to a specific heading, it simply makes more sense to have the heading bug on the current heading. And this way, once you engage heading mode on the autopilot, the airplane won’t turn in some random direction. Instead, the airplane stays stable until you turn the bug to the desired heading.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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