What is the magnetic variation in the flight area described?

To determine the magnetic variation, it’s essential to understand that magnetic variation (or magnetic declination) refers to the angle between magnetic north and true north at a specific location. This value can vary by location and can change over time due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field.

In this scenario, if the reported value is 7 degrees E, it indicates that the magnetic north is east of true north by an angle of 7 degrees. This means that when navigating using a magnetic compass in that flight area, one would need to adjust their heading to account for the eastward variation. The selection of 7 degrees E indicates that pilots should navigate east of their true headings to maintain an accurate course.

Choosing the correct value of magnetic variation is crucial for flight planning and navigation, as it ensures that the pilots correctly align their instruments with the Earth’s magnetic field. This alignment directly affects navigation accuracy and safety in flight.