Aeroplane Aerodynamics and Systems: Compasses and Navigation

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What is the primary reason for filling compasses with a liquid?

To reduce the weight of the compass

To protect the magnet system from corrosion

To increase the accuracy of the compass

To make the compass aperiodic (correct)

What is the purpose of the spider in a compass?

To provide buoyancy to the magnet system

To increase the friction on the pivot

To amplify the dip angle

To act as a damping device (correct)

What is the effect of the liquid on the movement of the magnet system and its spider?

It sets up small eddies that are quickly dissipated (correct)

It increases the friction on the pivot

It has no effect on the movement of the magnet system

It creates a significant swirling motion

What is the recommended practice when using a new compass from overseas on Australian aircraft?

Check the compass for calibration for operation in southern latitudes Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a counterbalance weight on the dip angle?

It amplifies the dip angle Signup and view all the answers

What type of liquids are normally used in compasses?

Mineral or alcohol-based liquids Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an electronic compass calibrator?

To alter the alignment of a magnetic field for checking on all headings Signup and view all the answers

What is used to swing a remote or direct reading compass?

An inertial navigation system Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a flux valve in an electronic compass calibrator?

To alter the alignment of a magnetic field Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a datum compass?

To obtain a magnetic heading unaffected by local deviation Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a certified compass swinging site?

It is used to obtain a magnetic heading unaffected by local deviation Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisations may have access to an electronic compass calibrator system?

Large organisations operating complex aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of the magnetism in the wingspan on compass accuracy?

Has no effect on east-west headings Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the compensator magnets located in the longitudinal axis?

To correct for coefficient C error Signup and view all the answers

When is the compass compensation and adjustment procedure performed?

When the compass system is suspected of inaccuracies or at specified time intervals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the compass calibration card?

To record residual deviations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the compass calibration process?

To identify and record all residual deviations Signup and view all the answers

What is coefficient C error?

The magnetism in the wingspan that affects compass accuracy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the gyro erection system?

To maintain the inner gimbal perpendicular to the outer gimbal of the directional gyro Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the slaving system in the remote compass system?

To detect and correct mismatch between the flux valve and the gyro heading output Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the synchro in the remote compass system?

To relay the outer gimbal azimuth position to the heading indicator Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the remote compass system is initially energised?

The slaving system automatically enters fast-align mode Signup and view all the answers

What is the rate at which the outer gimbal precesses in azimuth during slaving?

Between 1 and 2 degrees per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the name 'slaved gyro'?

The process of slaving the gyro to the magnetic heading Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of comparing the datum compass reading with the aircraft compass?

To record the aircraft's magnetic heading and deviation Signup and view all the answers

Why should only non-magnetic tools be used when performing maintenance on direct-reading compasses or flux valves?

To prevent veering of the compass Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to adjust a compass to prevent it from veering significantly?

Non-ferrous tools Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when handling direct-reading compasses or flux valves?

Exposure to magnetic fields Signup and view all the answers

Why should electrical leads for compass lights be screened cable or twisted pair?

To prevent magnetic interference Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for an area where an aircraft compass needs to be swung?

It should be free from all unusual magnetic influences except those from the aircraft Signup and view all the answers