Introduction to Magnetic Principles in Aviation

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What is the primary function of the magnetic compass in an aircraft?

To determine the altitude of the aircraft

To provide navigation aids during bad weather

To measure the airspeed of the aircraft

To display the direction in which the aircraft is heading in respect to the Earth's magnetic flux (correct)

What is the total magnetic force resolved into?

Only a horizontal component

A horizontal and a vertical component (correct)

Multiple magnetic forces

Only a vertical component

What is the role of the magnetic compass in aircraft with a remote indicating compass system and radio navigational aids?

To serve as the primary navigation system

To provide navigation data during instrument failure

To serve as a standby compass in case of primary navigation system failure (correct)

To provide backup navigation data

What aligns itself with the lines of flux linking the two magnetic poles of the Earth?

A freely suspended permanent magnet Signup and view all the answers

What is the Earth's magnetic field?

A weak magnetic field that surrounds the Earth Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the magnetic compass in most light aircraft?

To serve as the primary heading reference Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of the pendulous card's centre of gravity swinging outward and rotating during a turn?

Force of centrifugal acceleration Signup and view all the answers

In which hemisphere is the error generated a mirror image of that produced in the other hemisphere?

Southern hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the turning error when an aircraft is turning from a northerly heading?

Depends on the hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

Why does the pendulous card remain vertical to the plane of the aircraft during a coordinated turn?

Because the card pivot point is carried along with the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is the factor that determines the extent of the turning error?

Magnetic angle of dip Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the magnet system being tilted during a turn?

The card's magnet system is free to rotate under the influence of the vertical component of the Earth's magnetic field Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind the output of the flux valve?

AC synchro output Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to position flux valves carefully?

To minimize the effects of magnetic influences Signup and view all the answers

What type of mounting screws should be used for the flux valve?

Non-magnetic screws Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having two flux valves in some aircraft?

To provide redundancy in the system Signup and view all the answers

What type of gyro is commonly used in remote compass systems?

Electrically driven directional gyro Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the directional gyro in the remote compass system?

To provide short-term stability of magnetic heading presentation Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided in the vicinity of a direct reading compass during a calibration or compensation process?

Ferrous material Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to leave the spanner in the same position during the calibration process?

Because the system is only compensated while the spanner remains in place Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended distance of the datum compass from the aircraft?

50 metres Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to use non-magnetic tools for adjusting the correctors?

To maintain the accuracy of the compass reading Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the engine during the final check of the compass swing?

The engine should be running Signup and view all the answers

Where should compass swings be performed, according to established regulations?

At a surveyed compass swing site Signup and view all the answers

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

To determine the deviation of the aircraft compass Signup and view all the answers

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

To prevent magnetic interference with the compass Signup and view all the answers

What type of cable should be used to connect electrical leads to a compass to reduce magnetic interference?

Twisted pair cable Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of avoiding exposure of direct-reading compasses to magnetic fields?