which way am I going?

[RickG]

Hi all. I notice a lot that if I am flying with the GPS, there is sometimes  a discrepancy between the heading on my instrument panel and the indicated heading on the GPS, sometimes up to 4 or 5 degrees. Is this just the sim trying to simulate the effects of wind on my lil Cessna?  Thanks

[BFMF]

If your GPS & Autopilot are tracking a course, it could be simply compensating for the wind, or maybe you're  heading indicator needs to be set to the compass...

[RickG]

Hi. I rarely use autopilot for heading if that makes any difference. Best as I know, my heading indicator is ok too. But if I was determined to fly an exact heading, which numbers would be more accurate?  Not that my flights are ever that serious, just wondering.

[ozzy72]

Magnetic deviation?

[uncleyuk]

 That would have been my first guess.

[Mobius]

Your GPS shows your course, which is your heading with a wind correction, and your heading indicator just shows your heading.  There will probably be a good discussion on this down in the flight school soon.