Track Made Good

What is Track Made Good?

Track made good (TMG) is the precise direction over the ground that an aircraft has actually flown between two positions. Unlike the planned track (the desired path on a chart) or the heading (the direction the nose points), TMG accounts for all influences—especially wind—that alter the aircraft's path.

Track Made Good vs Course and Heading

• Course: The intended direction over the ground from departure to destination.
• Heading: The direction the aircraft's nose points, adjusted for wind correction angle (WCA).
• Track Made Good: The actual direction over the ground achieved, which may differ from both course and heading due to wind or navigation errors.

How to Calculate Track Made Good

To determine TMG:

1. Identify the aircraft's actual positions at two points (e.g., using fixes or GPS coordinates).
2. Draw a straight line between these points on the chart.
3. Measure the true direction of this line—this is the track made good.

On a Lambert or Mercator chart, use the coordinates of the two positions to calculate the rhumb-line or great circle track between them. TMG can also be derived from observed ground features or radio fixes.

Track Error Angle (TKE)

The difference between the desired track and the track made good is called the track error angle. This is a key metric for identifying navigation errors and making corrections for subsequent legs.

Practical Example

Suppose you plan a track of 090°T, but after flying, your fixes show you actually traveled 095°T. Your track made good is 095°T, and your TKE is +5° (right of planned track).

Why Track Made Good Matters in Navigation

• It reveals the real path flown, not just the intended one.
• It helps identify and correct for wind drift or navigation mistakes.
• It is essential for accurate position reporting, timing, and route adjustments.