Which north reference is used by meteorologists and which by controllers?

• A. True North for meteorologists; Magnetic North for controllers
• B. Magnetic North for meteorologists; True North for controllers
• C. True North for both meteorologists and controllers
• D. Magnetic North for both meteorologists and controllers

Answer: (A)

North reference choices differ because meteorology and air traffic control use different frames of reference. True North points to the geographic North Pole and stays fixed with the Earth's grid (latitude and longitude). Meteorologists rely on this fixed grid when plotting weather maps, tracks, and forecasts, so their data and charts align globally without drift from magnetic variation.

Air traffic control, on the other hand, operates with magnetic headings because cockpit instruments and most navigation systems are tied to magnetic north. Controllers assign routes and headings based on magnetic directions, and pilots fly using magnetic reference adjusted for local magnetic variation. That practical navigation framework makes Magnetic North the appropriate reference for controllers.