What does "drift" refer to in aviation?

In aviation, "drift" specifically refers to the difference between the heading of the aircraft and its actual track over the ground. When an aircraft is in flight, it may not travel directly along its intended flight path due to factors like wind. The heading is the direction the nose of the aircraft is pointing, while the track is the actual path over the ground. Wind can cause the aircraft to move off course, resulting in a drift angle that pilots must correct for to maintain the desired trajectory. Understanding drift is crucial for navigation as it allows pilots to adjust their heading to ensure they arrive at their intended destination accurately.

Other options relate to different aspects of aviation, such as fuel consumption, travel distance, and descent angles, which do not define the concept of drift.