Direct Reading Magnetic Compass

The direct reading magnetic compass is an instrument that relies on the Earth's magnetic field to indicate aircraft heading. It features a fluid-filled chamber to dampen oscillations, but is subject to turning and acceleration errors caused by the pendulosity of the magnet system. It serves as the primary reference for aligning the directional indicator.

Key Points

• •<strong>Pendulosity</strong> of the magnet system causes turning and acceleration errors.
• •Internal fluid dampens oscillations and must be free of air bubbles to function correctly.
• •Used as the primary reference to synchronise the directional indicator.
• •Turning errors are most pronounced on northerly and southerly headings in the Southern Hemisphere.

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