At Momentum Flight Training, our instructors focus on a wide range of topics concerning the world of aviation. Using AATD simulators and in-class knowledge, we help commercial pilots transition easily to their role as first officers in regional airlines.
Whether your goal is to refresh your knowledge regarding magnetic heading in aviation or you want to familiarize yourself with the systems and mechanisms of the aviator, enroll yourself in 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day aircraft simulator training programs by Momentum Flight Training. Speak to our qualified instructor for more information.
What is Magnetic Heading in Aviation
It refers to the direction the aviator is pointing in reference to a magnetic compass which is always aligned with the magnetic North Pole, not to be confused with the geographic North Pole. The compass needle always points toward the magnetic north pole or the datum. It's measured in degrees and specified as a bearing from the magnetic north.
How to Find the Magnetic Heading?
Although easy to deduce for most pilots, a simple way to find the magnetic heading is to read the aviator's compass. It shows the direction you're facing with reference from magnetic north in degrees.
When the compass is aligned with the magnetic north, reading the bearing on the compass makes it easy to work out which way you're facing. The information is presented through a small thin lubber line above the magnetic heading you're currently facing.
Although the Code of Federal Regulations obligates all aircraft to have a magnetic direction indicated fitted, especially for VFR flights, the compass isn't the only onboard instrument from which you can find the magnetic heading.
Another instrument from the 'six-pack cockpit essentials' can be used to work out the magnetic heading. Known as the Directional Gyro, Direction Indicator, or Heading Indicator, this instrument has many benefits.
The Importance of a Heading Indicator
Compasses generally take a while to settle, which isn't ideal, especially in fast-moving airplanes. Although compasses were the only way to find out the magnetic heading, pilots now use a gyro-driven heading indicator, which gives accurate information more conveniently.
This is because a directional indicator isn't susceptible to moving with the 'G' forces or acceleration. It's more intuitive to follow and generally much more stable because it's not affected by magnetic interference.
The internal gyroscope in the heading indicator provides stability. So even when the gyroscope is spinning, the rigidity in space is maintained. This means the axis around which the gyroscope spins stays pointed at the magnetic north when it's slaved or caged to align with it.
A datum is created against which pilots can measure the magnetic heading. However, a few things, such as variation, are important to consider in this situation. To understand variation, it's important to understand the difference between true and magnetic heading.
The Difference between True Heading and Magnetic Heading
When it comes to navigation, there are two norths all pilots must be aware of. The first is the magnetic north. A magnetic field is produced by the vast quantities of metals under the surface of the earth. They have poles, and the magnetic north pole the compass points currently lies somewhere along northern Canada.
The emphasis on currently is important because the magnetic pole moves a little every year. So if a compass was fixed, it would point in a slightly different direction over time. And as pilots, your instruments always reference and point toward magnetic north.
True north is the other point at which the earth turns on its axis. So when someone refers to the north pole, they mean the true north. When plotting a route, navigational charts with latitude and longitude lines help calculate the headings as they all meet true north.
Interestingly, the geographic north pole, also known as the true north, and magnet north, currently has a difference of around 300 miles. The dilemma is that there's a variation since the flight instruments are pointed toward the magnetic north and the charts reference true north as the datum.
Understanding Variation in Aerial Navigation
Variation, the slight difference between the magnetic and true north, varies significantly depending on the pilots' geographic location. The variation increases in certain areas but could be practically significant. If a correction isn't made on time, you may fly in a completely wrong direction.
A faint dashed line typically depicts a variation on navigational charts. You can apply correction with a few simple fixes that help ensure you're heading in the right direction. Variation is either added or subtracted from the headings measured on the map to identify the course you must fly, referencing the direction indicator or compass.
When calculating the course to fly and converting true bearings from the chart to magnetic headings, you must remember a few phrases. For instance, 'magnetic LEAST, variation EAST' or 'magnetic BEST, variation WEST.' The former implies that you must subtract variation from the measured course to get an accurate magnetic bearing when the variation annotation features an 'E.' Meanwhile, if it features a 'W,' you will add the variation from the measured course on the chard to get an accurate magnetic bearing.
Understanding magnetic heading helps ensure pilots can navigate with a high level of accuracy. And this skill is often checked out during regional flight training. You'll learn about different aircraft instruments and systems and how each works so the regional airline company deems you an aeronautical navigation expert once you're done with the advanced training offered at Momentum Flight Training.
We equip pilots with all the skills needed to fly the plane safely, even when the screens are turned off! Pilots gain the confidence to navigate different standard and emergency situations in our realistic AATD simulator.
The aviation simulator training we use is equipped with realistic components and systems that reflect the original deck flight environment of Canadair Regional Jets 550, 700, and canadair regional jet 900 american airlines. The instructors walk each student through the information needed to transition from a good pilot to a great pilot.
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