
COMPASS COMPENSATION PROCEDURE
- Set the compensator for zero effect by matching the dots on the compensator screws with the fixed dots on the case.
- Align the Aircraft as nearly as possible (not to exceed 5 degrees error) to magnetic north (0°).
- Turn the N-S screw to cause the Aircraft Compass to read the same as the Sight Compass.
Can I calibrate compass manually?
Your device was already calibrated at the factory, and the device uses automatic calibration by default. If you experience irregular compass behavior, for example, after moving long distances or after extreme temperature changes, you can manually calibrate the compass.
How do I calibrate the compass on my phone?
- Enable the Compass Calibration service: Click on the Settings icon. ...
- Open the built-in Maps App and follow the on-screen prompts to get an accurate location reading.
- Press the lower left side arrow till it points up.
How to use your phone as a compass?
Method 5 Method 5 of 5: Using Your Compass For Vertical Leveling Download Article
- Open your Compass app. This app can usually be found in a folder labeled “Utilities.”
- Swipe left on the compass face. This will take you to the leveling screen.
- Place your phone against a vertical surface. Your phone should be parallel to your face. ...
- Line up the black and white areas with the horizontal line. ...
Can I recalibrate the compass?
Tap on the location icon to bring up more information about your location. At the bottom, tap the “Calibrate Compass” button. This will bring up the compass calibration screen. Your current compass accuracy should be displayed at the bottom as either low, medium, or high.

How do you calibrate a plane compass?
Adjust the N-S screw with a non-magnetic screwdriver so that the compass reads exactly NORTH (0 degrees). 2. Next, realign the aircraft on the Compass Rose with the nose pointing in a magnetic EAST direction. Adjust the E-W screw until the compass reads EAST (090 degrees) exactly.
How often does aircraft compass need to be swung?
The FAA's AC 43.13-1B says compass calibration should be accomplished anytime inaccuracy is suspected (off more than 10 degrees), after any cockpit mod involving ferrous metal and whenever the compass has been subjected to shock, such as a hard landing or severe turbulence.
What are the methods for calibration of Dr compass?
The digital magnetic compass can be calibrated in three modes, automatic, semi-automatic and manual.
What is calibration in aviation?
Calibration is the process in which aviation maintenance professionals undertake regular checking of equipment and precision tools used to certify an aircraft or component, ensuring all equipment is accurate, safe and complies with industry and manufacturer regulations.
What error is corrected when an aircraft compass is swung?
What error is corrected when an aircraft compass is swung? Deviation error.
What is aircraft compass fluid made of?
Alcohol (hence the whiskey compass designation) was used at one time, but now kerosene or aliphatic naphtha is used. The correct fluid is MIL-C-5020A.
What are the first 3 types of calibration?
Different Types of CalibrationPressure Calibration. ... Temperature Calibration. ... Flow Calibration. ... Pipette Calibration. ... Electrical calibration. ... Mechanical calibration.
What are 2 methods of calibration?
There are two main ways of calibrating an instrument – these are the working curve method and the standard addition method.
What are the steps of calibration?
Direct testingCalibration of the test force using force transducers and measuring force amplifiers.Testing of the indenter.Calibration of the measuring system with object micrometer and depth measuring device.Measuring of the test cycle using a stopwatch.
What are the 3 Uses of calibrate?
The purpose of calibration is to help assure precise measurements. The benefits of calibration include increased profitability, safety, and innovation as well as improved compliance with environmental and other regulations.
What is the basic principle of calibration?
Calibration Principles: Calibration is the activity of checking, by comparison with a standard, the accuracy of a measuring instrument of any type. It may also include adjustment of the instrument to bring it into alignment with the standard.
What is calibration requirements?
Calibration requirements include the need to… Establish and maintain documented procedures. • Determine measurements to be made and accuracy required. • Select an appropriate measurement instrument capable of measurement accuracy and precision.
How often should a compass error be taken?
once every watchThe performance of the magnetic compass should be monitored and deviations to be recorded in a compass deviation book at regular intervals (Ref: IMO Resolution A. 382(X)), ideally at least once every watch and also shortly after a large alteration of course.
What does it mean to have a compass adjusted calibrated or swung?
Compass calibration typically involves two steps. First, compass compensators are adjusted to minimize the influence of aircraft-induced fields that generate errors; and second, a correction card is prepared to indicate remaining error.
What is the proper maintenance of compass?
To remove salt spray deposits and dirt, rinse the entire compass with clean fresh water and wipe carefully with a damp cloth. Important note: NEVER USE CHEMICALS OR ABRASIVE CLEANERS.
How often should the gyro and magnetic compass checked?
2.1 All magnetic compasses must be swung and adjusted: . 1 at least every two years; . 2 after dry docking; or . 3 after significant structural work.
Why do airplanes use compensating magnets?
Most aircraft compasses include compensating magnets to correct for installation error (due to natural magnetic fields in an aircraft from steel parts and electrical equipment). When installing a new compass or performing significant electrical work on an aircraft the compass may need to be re-calibrated and the compensating magnets adjusted (typically by turning small screws, like the ones shown below).
What direction is the landing gear on a 270 radial line?
For example, if you put both main landing gear exactly on the 270 radial line with the right wheel on the inner part of the radial circle, then your aircraft is pointing north (orthogonal to the 27 radial line). You can repeat this procedure for each radial line to get the desired heading. This works particularly well for a high wing aircraft such ...
What is the meaning of "back up"?
Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
What is magnetic declination?
This phenomenon is referred to as "magnetic declination" and requires you to adjust your compass while using a map that features both magnetic and true north directions. Your adjustments will vary based on your specific geographic location.
What direction does a magnetic compass needle point?
A magnetic compass needle will always point to magnetic north. To calibrate a compass properly, you must understand that magnetic north and true north are not the same directional value.
What is the USGS map?
USGS maps are calibrated to suit the location of their use. The true north and magnetic north lines will fluctuate based on the geographic location where the map will be used.
How to find the true north on a map?
Lay a USGS topographical map out flat and place your compass on the map. Place the compass near to the directional indicators marking true north and magnetic north.
Why are USGS maps calibrated?
USGS maps are calibrated to suit the location of their use. The true north and magnetic north lines will fluctuate based on the geographic location where the map will be used. USGS maps are calibrated to suit the location of their use.
What to know before compass swing?
Ensure the area where the compass swing is performed is free of steel structures, underground pipes or cables, or equipment that produces magnetic fields. If the airport has a compass rose to perform compass swings, these areas are typically surveyed to assure it is free of interference.
How to use a digital compass?
The first step of using the digital compass system to perform a compass swing is to find a clear area to perform a swing. You want to make sure that the area is free of metal structure that would interfere with the magnetic compass. If there is a compass rose at your airport, that is a safe area to use.
What is a compass shock?
Whenever a compass has been subjected to a shock; for example, after a hard landing or turbulence. After aircraft has passed through a severe electrical storm. After a lightning strike. Whenever a change is made to the electrical system. Whenever a change of cargo is likely to affect the compass.
What to do if the compass is not 180 degrees?
If it is not 180, adjust the north-south compensator screw to remove half the difference of the reading and actual heading. For example if the compass reads 184 while the aircraft is positioned at 180 degrees, adjust the north-south compensator until the compass indicates 182 degrees. 4.
What to check for when working around a flux valve?
Another area to check for is the area around the flux valves. Ensure that mounting hardware for the flux valves are non-magnetic. Also inspect the immediate area around the flux valves to ensure no ferrous hardware is present. When working around a wet compass or flux valve, use only non-magnetic tools.
How to align an aircraft compass?
Align the aircraft to the 90-degree (east) heading. If the aircraft compass does not indicate 90 degrees, adjust the east-west compensator screw until it reads 90. 3. Align the aircraft to the 180-degree (south) heading. Note the indicated heading on the aircraft compass.
How to align a compass?
1. With engines running and aircraft in proper configuration, align the aircraft to the 0 degree (north) heading. If the aircraft compass is not in alignment with magnetic north, adjust the north-south compensator screw with a non-metallic screwdriver until the compass reads 0 degrees. 2.
What is the compass calibration requirement for a large aircraft?
The compass calibration requirements for large aircraft (more than 12,500 lbs maximum take-off weight) can be found in FAR’s 25.1327 and 25.1547. They are both similar in wording with the exception that a large aircraft cannot have more than 10 degrees variation. FAR’s 27 and 29 have the same requirements for small and large helicopters.
Is a compass swing required for small aircraft?
ANSWER: Yes, it is required for both small and large aircraft. I have pasted the sections of FAR’s 23 and 25 below for your reference: I have also included a link below to download an excerpt from AC 43.13-1B which provides further information about compass swings: AC 43.13-1B, Section 3, Ground Operational Checks.
