MAGNETIC COMPASS

REVIEW

PRINCIPLES
The earth is a huge magnet. Any freely suspended magnet will align itself with the earths magnetic poles. The compass is a self-contained unit requiring no external power source.

INHERENT ERRORS
Magnetic poles differ from the earths true poles, due to variation caused by minerals in the earths crust. Isogonic lines connect points of equal variation. WEST IS BEST 030T+10var.=040M EAST IS LEAST 030T15var.=015M

Deviation
Deviation results from aircraft magnetic fields affecting compass alignment with magnetic north. Correction is achieved by swinging the compass, and applying a compass correction card for specific equipment conditions.

Dip
Dip error results as the compass card dips toward the surface of the earth. The earths magnetic field is parallel to the earths surface at the magnetic equator but dips towards the poles. If a magnetic compass is anywhere other than the magnetic equator it tends to dip towards the earth to follow the magnetic field.

Northerly Turning (Dip) Error

The earths magnetic field causes the compass to dip to the low side of the turn. Error is most pronounced turning through north and south. In the Northern Hemisphere: Lag North, Lead South.

LAG NORTH

LEAD SOUTH

Acceleration/Deceleration Error
Acceleration error occurs during airspeed changes. It results from inertia and magnetic dip. Most pronounced on headings of east and west. ANDS accelerate north, decelerate south.

ANDS