Magnetic Compass

Homework Reading Assignment

Required Reading
Instrument Flying Handbook 3-9 to 3-13

Jeppesen Instrument/Commercial Manual – “Magnetic Compass” 2-12 to 2-15

 Magnetic Compass Quiz

1. How is the magnetic compass constructed? ________________________________________________

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2. Why does the compass “read” backwards? i.e., on the compass above, we would turn to the right to get

to an East heading which is depicted to the left of our current heading ___________________________

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3. What is the basic operating principle of the magnetic compass? ________________________________

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4. What are the limitations and errors of the magnetic compass? _________________________________

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5. What is the basic principle behind the magnetic dip errors? ____________________________________

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6. Why does deviation occur? _____________________________________________________________

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7. Why does variation occur? _____________________________________________________________

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8. How can we remember the errors of the compass? (think about acronyms, etc.) ___________________

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