A compass is a vital tool for pilots, fundamentally providing the aircraft's heading, which is essential for navigation.
For most light aeroplanes, the magnetic compass is the primary navigation aid. It serves as the fundamental instrument pilots rely on to determine their direction of flight relative to the Earth's magnetic poles.
According to the aviation.govt.nz reference, the magnetic compass is the only instrument in most light aeroplanes that indicates the correct heading. While other instruments like the Direction Indicator (DI) or Directional Gyro (DG) are used, they are gyro-stabilised and must be periodically set or referenced against the magnetic compass. This means the compass acts as the ultimate source of truth for the actual magnetic direction the aircraft is facing, making it indispensable, especially in scenarios where other instruments might fail or drift.
In summary, a compass is useful to a pilot because:
- It is often the primary navigation aid, particularly in light aircraft.
- It is the only instrument that consistently indicates the correct magnetic heading, serving as the crucial reference for the aircraft's direction.
- It provides a reliable backup or cross-reference for other heading instruments like the DI/DG.
This foundational role ensures pilots can maintain their intended course, navigate between points, and understand their orientation regardless of reliance on electronic systems.
For more details, refer to the source on Compass use | aviation.govt.nz.
