Private Pilot Private Exam

As you roll into a standard rate turn to the right from a south heading in the Northern Hemisphere, what does the compass indicate?

1. It indicates a turn to the right at a slower rate

2. It indicates a turn to the left

3. It indicates a turn to the right at a faster rate than actual

4. It indicates no turn

The correct answer is: It indicates a turn to the right at a faster rate than actual

When rolling into a standard rate turn to the right from a south heading in the Northern Hemisphere, the behavior of the magnetic compass is affected by the principles of acceleration and turning due to the Earth's magnetic field. The compass is influenced by the forces acting on it during the turn, and in this case, as you initiate a right turn, the compass indicates a turn to the right at a faster rate than the actual turn. This phenomenon occurs because of the compass's inherent design, which is based on magnetic variation and the effects of centrifugal force during the turn. When turning south to a right heading, the compass initially lags and then tends to overshoot, reflecting a turn that seems faster than it is. This can be particularly pronounced in turns towards the magnetic poles, such as in the Northern Hemisphere, where compasses are less stable during maneuvers. This understanding is crucial for pilots as it emphasizes the importance of interpreting compass indications accurately during turns, especially to avoid misleading information that could affect the flight path and navigation. Acknowledging this compass behavior helps pilots maintain better situational awareness and align their mental picture of the flight status with the actual aircraft orientation.