Private Pilot Private Exam

In the Northern Hemisphere, what will the magnetic compass indicate when an aircraft is accelerated on a north heading?

1. It will indicate a turn toward the east

2. It will indicate correctly

3. It will indicate a turn toward the west

4. It will show a full deflection

The correct answer is: It will indicate correctly

When an aircraft is accelerated on a north heading in the Northern Hemisphere, the magnetic compass experiences a phenomenon known as "acceleration error." However, during a straightforward acceleration, the compass actually tends to reflect the correct heading rather than indicating a turn. This behavior occurs because the magnetic compass is influenced by several factors, such as magnetic variation, magnetic declination, and the tilt of the Earth’s magnetic field. When accelerating on a north heading, these forces stabilize the compass, ensuring that it points in the proper direction without deviation. Thus, the compass indicates the correct heading during acceleration at that moment. While the compass can show a turn toward the east or west under different circumstances, such as when the aircraft is in a turn or if there are any significant variations in magnetic fields or influences, during a straight acceleration on a north heading, it correctly reflects the north direction. This understanding is crucial for pilots, particularly when making navigation decisions based on compass readings.