____________________ must be compensated for in order for the aircraft to maintain desired ground track.

In order for an aircraft to maintain its desired ground track, drift must be compensated for. Drift refers to the lateral movement of the aircraft caused by factors such as wind, which can affect the aircraft's trajectory over the ground. When flying, especially during turns, it's crucial for pilots to understand how wind can push the aircraft off its intended course.

By accounting for drift, pilots can adjust their heading to ensure that the aircraft follows the desired path over the ground, rather than being blown off course by wind. This compensation is essential for maintaining precision in navigation and ensuring that the aircraft arrives at its intended destination effectively.

The other factors listed, such as speed, altitude, and turn rate, are important for different aspects of flight but do not specifically address the need to account for drift when it comes to maintaining a ground track.