What is another term used for 'track' in aviation?

In aviation, 'track' refers to the actual path over the ground that an aircraft follows. The term 'course' is often used interchangeably with 'track' to indicate the intended direction of flight. While 'course' can suggest the intended or desired direction to navigate towards a waypoint or destination, 'track' is the real-time position of the aircraft as it moves along that path.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for pilots and air traffic control, as maintaining awareness of both track and course helps with precise navigation and ensures the safety and efficiency of flight operations.