Course Calculator

Enter true heading, TAS, and wind to get compass course and ground speed

Search for two cities or airports to automatically populate True Course and Description fields

Calculate True Airspeed from CAS, OAT, and altitude

Load sample data to see how the calculator works

Description (Optional)

Course & Speed

True Course

True Airspeed

Wind

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

Corrections

Magnetic Variation

Compass Deviation

Intermediate Values

Course Calculation Flow

127°

VAR

11.2°E

→↓

116°

WCA

→↓

Dev

0°

→↓

TC: True Course

MC: Magnetic Course

MH: Magnetic Heading(aka “True Heading”)

CC: Compass Course

VAR: Magnetic Variation

WCA: Wind Correction Angle

Dev: Compass Deviation

WCA

NaN°

Crosswind

NaN KT

none

Tailwind

NaN KT

ETAS

—

WCA ≤ 10°

Results

Ground Speed

NaN

Compass Course

= magnetic heading

Start Leg Planning

Continue with distance, fuel consumption, waypoints, and time estimates

Note: This calculator uses standard aviation wind triangle formulas. Wind direction is where the wind is coming FROM. Positive WCA means turn right, negative means turn left. ETAS (Effective True Air Speed) is shown when WCA exceeds 10° to account for the reduced effective forward speed when crabbing at large angles. For complete flight planning with fuel, time estimates, and waypoints, use the Leg Planner.

Torrance (KTOA) to Carlsbad (KCRQ) VFR Flight Calculator

The Torrance to Carlsbad flight is a beautiful coastal journey through Southern California's beach cities. This 75 nautical mile route takes you from the South Bay's Zamperini Field to San Diego County's McClellan-Palomar Airport, passing legendary surf spots like Huntington Beach, Newport, and San Clemente. Both airports are GA-friendly facilities that avoid the complexity of LAX and SAN, making this an ideal SoCal cross-country for pilots of all experience levels.

Route Overview: South Bay to North County San Diego

The coastal route from KTOA to KCRQ follows a true course of approximately 135° along the Orange and San Diego County coastlines. Flight time is typically 40-50 minutes at 115 knots. The route stays over the beach cities, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, harbor complexes, and famous surf breaks. This is a popular training route for SoCal flight schools and a great weekend destination for the pilot who wants beach time after landing.

Airport Information

Departure: KTOA

Name:: Zamperini Field
Location:: Torrance, CA
Elevation:: 101 ft
ATIS:: 127.225

Arrival: KCRQ

Name:: McClellan-Palomar Airport
Location:: Carlsbad, CA
Elevation:: 331 ft
ATIS:: 127.225

Flight Planning Considerations

Torrance is a busy GA airport with active flight training. Carlsbad offers a relaxed North County San Diego atmosphere with excellent dining nearby.

•Torrance has complex traffic patterns - review before arrival or departure
•Coastal route keeps you clear of Los Angeles Class B airspace
•John Wayne (KSNA) Class C can be transitioned or avoided via offshore route
•Camp Pendleton restricted airspace - stay over water or obtain clearance
•San Diego Class B shelf starts north of Carlsbad - stay below or call SoCal
•Fuel: 20-25 gallons sufficient, competitive prices at both airports
•TFR check: Nixon Library, Disneyland, and Camp Pendleton NOTAMs common

Airspace and Navigation

The SoCal coast has multiple Class C and D fields, but the coastal route simplifies navigation by staying over water.

•Torrance Class D: Surface to 2,500 ft
•Los Angeles Class B: Shelf starts at 2,500 ft - coastal route stays under or around
•Long Beach Class D (KLGB): Easy to avoid via coastal route
•John Wayne Class C (KSNA): 5 NM radius - offshore route avoids
•Camp Pendleton: R-2503 restricted area - check NOTAM, often need to go offshore
•Carlsbad Class D: Surface to 2,600 ft, Tower on 132.35
•SoCal Approach (119.6 south) for flight following

Suggested VFR Cruising Altitudes

Eastbound (0°-179°)

4,500 ft, 6,500 ft

Odd thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Westbound (180°-359°)

3,500 ft, 5,500 ft

Even thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Weather Considerations

The SoCal coastline enjoys excellent VFR weather year-round, with some seasonal variations. June Gloom (May-June) brings morning marine layer that typically burns off by noon. Santa Ana winds in fall create clear skies but gusty, turbulent conditions, especially near terrain. Summer afternoons can have onshore flow creating light chop near the coast. Visibility is usually exceptional - 10+ miles on most days. Catalina Island is often visible from cruise altitude on clear days.

Visual Landmarks and Navigation References

Palos Verdes Peninsula

Distinctive peninsula south of Torrance. Great reference point for departure.

Long Beach Harbor

Large port complex with Queen Mary. Easy landmark.

Huntington Beach Pier

'Surf City USA' - long pier and distinctive downtown visible.

Newport Harbor

Balboa Peninsula and harbor complex. Marks Orange County.

Dana Point Harbor

Harbor with distinctive headlands. Last landmark before Camp Pendleton.

San Onofre Nuclear Plant

Two dome structures on the coast at Camp Pendleton. Unmistakable.

Oceanside Pier

Long wooden pier marks Oceanside. Carlsbad is just south.

Alternate Airports

ICAO	Name	Distance	Notes
KSNA	John Wayne (Santa Ana)	35 NM from KTOA	Class C but GA-friendly, good services
KFUL	Fullerton Municipal	25 NM from KTOA	Inland alternate, usually clear
KSDM	Brown Field	45 NM from KCRQ	South San Diego option
KOKB	Oceanside Municipal	10 NM from KCRQ	Smaller field, good alternate

Tips from Experienced Pilots

•Torrance has right traffic for Runway 29R - know the pattern
•Offshore route avoids most airspace but adds a few minutes
•Camp Pendleton is often restricted - check NOTAMs and have backup plan
•Carlsbad has great restaurants within walking distance - The Brigantine is popular
•Return flight often has headwinds from the northwest - plan fuel accordingly
•Watch for skydiving activity near Oceanside (KOKB area)
•Catalina Island makes for a great side trip if you have the time
•Avoid flying directly over the nuclear plant - no TFR but best practice

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. Always use official flight planning tools and verify all data with current charts, NOTAMs, and weather briefings before flight. Wind data shown is from the most recent METAR and may not reflect actual en-route conditions.

KTOA → KCRQTorrance to Carlsbad