Originally Posted by
3wheels
KISS....
Having two different SOP’s relating to the heading bug will drop you in it one day.
This. Heading bugs are often underrated - yes, in rapid dynamic situations the aircraft should be flown first. But in more relaxed areas eg holding is it really that tricky to move the heading bug 5s before you turn? As the OP said, it helps to visualise the drift angle as a final double check. It would be rare in an aircraft with a heading bug for the heading not to be directed to the bug for me or my students, irrespective of hand flying or autopilot. It also greatly simplifies the maintenance element of the scan - visual or instrument - since there is no need to check/think about the number, merely note bug position.