Compass calibration deviation triggers a calibration when the deviation exceeds how many degrees?

Compass calibration deviation triggers a calibration when the deviation exceeds how many degrees?

• A. 5
• B. 20
• C. 15
• D. 10

Answer: (D)

Deviation on a magnetic compass is the error caused by local magnetic fields inside the aircraft. When you swing the compass to measure how far off it is across different headings, you build a deviation table used to correct readings. If the observed deviation exceeds ten degrees, recalibration is needed to keep readings accurate over the full heading range. Ten degrees is chosen as a practical threshold: smaller deviations (like five) would make calibrations occur too often, while larger ones (fifteen or twenty) could allow substantial navigation errors before correction. So when deviation goes beyond ten degrees, calibration helps restore reliable compass accuracy across all headings.

Deviation on a magnetic compass is the error caused by local magnetic fields inside the aircraft. When you swing the compass to measure how far off it is across different headings, you build a deviation table used to correct readings. If the observed deviation exceeds ten degrees, recalibration is needed to keep readings accurate over the full heading range. Ten degrees is chosen as a practical threshold: smaller deviations (like five) would make calibrations occur too often, while larger ones (fifteen or twenty) could allow substantial navigation errors before correction. So when deviation goes beyond ten degrees, calibration helps restore reliable compass accuracy across all headings.