An airplane's magnetic compass is usually the only direction-seeking instrument on the aircraft. The magnetic compass is entirely self-contained and requires no external power source to operate properly. This makes the compass extremely useful as an emergency or standby instrument. As one of the first aircraft instruments to be used, the on-board compass is the most accurate way to determine what direction an aircraft is heading. Pilots have relied on the magnetic compass since the dawn of aviation. Reading one is a straightforward task and the result is known as a heading; or the magnetic direction in which the aircraft is pointed.
Instructions
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1
Level off the aircraft and maintain a constant speed. The magnetic compass can only be read when flying in this state.
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2
Wait several seconds for the compass to settle and stop moving. This will reduce the possibility of an inaccurate reading caused by magnetic distortion.
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3
Multiply the the number shown on the compass by 10. The result of this calculation is the degree heading that the aircraft is currently flying. The compass is marked North, East, South and West and there are 90 degrees between each direction starting at magnetic north or zero degrees.
