Lesson 3e - Turns to a Heading

Lesson Objective

The student will learn the procedures for turning out on a heading. The student will also learn the different types of error with a magnetic compass.

Regulatory Requirement

• Pre-solo: This is not required for solo
• Private Pilot: Private Pilot Practical Test Standard VII-B

Content

• The candidate will clear the area before turning.
• The student will be able to turn to any heading described by the instructor, such as 000, 090, 180, 270.
• Magnetic deviation (the compass in the aircraft is deviant)
• Magnetic variation (the variation varies from place to place)
• Compass acceleration error (ANDS)
  • Accelerate -> North
  • Decelerate -> South
• ...and turning error (UNOS)
  • Undershoot for Northerly headings
  • Overshoot for Southerly headings.
• relationship of turning error to latitude.
• the use of a compass card

Completion Standards

The student must be able to perform:

• Turns to any desired heading specified by the instructor

The student must be able to: 

• explain compass dip error
• explain turning error
• show differences between magnetic deviation and variation
• identify magnetic variation on an aeronautical sectional
• explain when the magnetic compass displays the correct heading

Prerequisite Study

• Glider Flying Handbook (2024), Chapter 4, page 4-18
• Glider Flying Handbook (2024), Chapter 7, page 7-44 
• Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (2023), Chapter 8, page 8-23 through 8-27 , Magnetic Compass

Further Study

• National Geophysical Data Center's world map of magnetic declination (variation)