Autopilot usage - Course and Track/Heading
Hi,
most likely a stupid question but since its kind of specific I couldn't find an answer via google.
I have read several articles regarding heading and course and understood these as far as I can tell.
However the following scenario is still unclear to me.
If ATC tells an heavy aircraft with autopilot like a 737 or an A320 to fly heading 360° the pilot enters this on the "HEADING KNOB" of the MCP/FCU.
Is the aircraft then flying a heading/track or a course (with usage of wind data)?
Because if 2 planes are flying together on the same radial and both planes get the ATC order to fly heading 360° the planes will not both stay on the same radial if there is a different wind component for both planes.
So my question is..is the HEADING KNOB actual flying courses with the aid of wind data or are these really headings?
In latter case, can these wind deviations not cause problems?
Thanks!
Best regards Andi