The pilot of an airplane wishes to fly due north, but there is a 71 km/h wind blowing toward the east.

Question

The pilot of an airplane wishes to fly due north, but there is a 71 km/h wind blowing toward the east.
(a) In what direction should the pilot head her plane if its speed relative to the air is 314 km/h?
  ° west of north

Should the angle just be the opposite of the one created by the east wind? I'm not sure how to "undo" it

Henry · Answer

Vp + Vw = 314i Vp + 71 = 314i Vp = -71 + 314i Tan Ar = 314/-71 = -4.42254 Ar = -77.26o = Reference angle. A = -77.26 + 180 = 102.74o CCW = 12.74o W. of N.