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STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS34
North Turning Compass Error
XRX, like all other compasses, can experience a magnetic phenomenon known as turning errors under certain condi-
tions. When a north-bound aircraft banks to turn, the compass momentarily turns in the opposite direction before
“catching up” with the correct heading.
Please consider these points when turning in an aircraft:
> If on a northerly heading and a turn is made toward east or west, the initial indication of the compass lags or
indicates a turn in the opposite direction. The lag diminishes as the turn progresses toward the east or west
where there is no turning error. For example, when turning from a heading of 000 to 045, the heading indicator
and any associated traffic may indicate a turn to the left (as much as 45°, heading 315 in the example) before
“catching up” to heading 045.
> If on a southerly heading and a turn is made toward east or west, the initial indication of the compass will indicate
a greater amount of turn than is actually made. This lead also diminishes as the turn progresses toward east or
west where there is no turn error. This error has little or no visible effect on XRX.
> The amount of lead or lag is maximum on north / south headings and depends upon the angle of bank used and
the latitude of the aircraft.
> When on an east or west heading, no error is apparent while entering a turn to north or south.
Compass indicated track
TARGET AIRCRAFT
XRX
Actual aircraft track
When starting a turn off a northern heading and banking more than
15°, the compass may lag and momentarily show traffic in the opposite
direction.
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