In navigation calculations, what determines track error angle using the 1 in 60 rule?

The track error angle in navigation is calculated using the 1 in 60 rule, which states that for every unit of distance the aircraft is off its intended track, it will create an error of one degree for every 60 units of distance travelled. This means that the greater the distance the aircraft is off track, the larger the angle of track error will be relative to the intended course.

In practical terms, if an aircraft is, for example, 1 nautical mile off course after traveling 60 nautical miles, this would result in a track error angle of 1 degree. Thus, the distance off track is a crucial determinant when applying this rule. The speed of the aircraft, the heading, or the fuel burn rate do not directly relate to calculating the track error angle defined by the 1 in 60 rule; they may influence flight management and navigation but not the calculation of the track error itself.