Final answer:
The pilot should adjust the original heading of 55 degrees to counteract the 200-mile eastern drift caused by the wind. Without specific numerical values for the plane's speed and the wind's impact, we cannot determine the exact heading. The correct heading would require subtracting the wind vector from the intended course vector.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the correct heading for the pilot to reach Albany, New York, considering the wind's impact, we need to incorporate vector analysis. The pilot's initial heading is 55 degrees which is the direction the plane needs to fly in the absence of wind. Given that the wind will push the aircraft 200 miles east (90 degrees), we have to calculate the necessary heading adjustment so that the resultant course will still direct the plane towards its intended destination.
The wind's effect can be thought of as a vector pointing due east (90 degrees) with a magnitude of 200 miles. This wind adjustment vector needs to be subtracted from the plane's intended course vector to find the true heading the pilot should maintain. Graphically, the pilot must aim to the west of the original course line to counteract the eastern push of the wind. Using trigonometry, we can find the magnitude and direction of the corrected course vector. However, without the actual numerical values for the speed of the aircraft and the wind, we cannot compute the exact heading required.
Hence, we understand that the pilot must adjust the plane's original heading of 55 degrees to compensate for the 200 miles eastern drift due to the wind. The corrected course plus wind equals the actual course.