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INSTRUMENTS

Direct Reading Compass

A direct reading compass enables the pilot to read the aircraft heading directly
in relation to a magnetic assembly.

This type of compass basically consists of two or more pivoted magnets.

The magnets are free to align themselves with the horizontal component of the
Earth's magnetic field.

A direct reading compass should possess three elementary properties:

1) Horizontality

2) Sensitivity

3) Aperiodicity

Horizontality

It is the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field which enables the
compass magnets to align themselves with north.

It is therefore essential that the compass magnets should lie as close as

possible to the horizontal plane.

If a magnet were pivoted at its centre on a pin, it would dip to lie in the plane
of the Earth's total field.

Even in mid latitudes, the dip angle would be unacceptably high.

To overcome this problem, a system of pendulous suspension is employed.

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The success of the system lies in the fact that the centre of gravity of the
magnets lies below the pivot point.

Thus the dipping effect due to the vertical (Z) component of the Earth's
magnetic field is opposed by the weight of the magnets.

Result of pendulous suspension is that the magnets will lie close to the
horizontal.

However there will be a small residual dip (except at the magnetic equator).

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In mid latitudes the residual angle of dip should be less than three degrees.

Sensitivity

It is a measure of the ability of a compass magnetic assembly to point

accurately towards north.

Nothing can be done to increase the strength of the weak terrestrial magnetic
field.

So it is necessary to use several magnets with high pole strengths.

The magnetic assembly is made as light as possible to reduce friction at the

pivot.

The pivot itself normally incorporates a jewelled bearing which is lubricated by

the viscous fluid which fills the bowl.

Being fairly dense the fluid effectively lightens the magnet assembly still
further, once again reducing friction at the pivot.

Aperiodicity

It is the ability of the magnet assembly to settle quickly, pointing towards the
magnetic north pole, following displacement during manoeuvres or turbulence.

If a compass is not aperiodic then magnets would oscillate (hunt) around

magnetic north.

Aperiodicity is achieved by using short length magnets, thereby keeping the

mass near to the centre of rotation and reducing the moment of inertia.

This is also aided by the use of light materials in the magnetic assembly.

The fluid within which the magnets are immersed will tend to dampen any
oscillation of the magnet assembly.

The compass fluid must completely fill the compass bowl in order to prevent
liquid swirl during turns, as this would deflect the magnet assembly.

To ensure that the bowl is always completely full despite change in

temperature, an expansion bellows (sylphon tube) is fitted which acts as a fluid
reservoir.
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E Type Compass

It is a typical standby or emergency compass.

It is designed to be vertically mounted (usually above the windscreen).

The case is filled with silicone fluid.

A bellows system allows for fluid expansion with increase of temperature.

It is subject to deviation errors.

Two pairs of adjustable compensating magnets are fitted to the top of the case
to correct for the deviation errors.

Elongated mounting slots allow for adjustment in azimuth to overcome

alignment errors.

The instrument is designed to be accurate in use to ±10°

In practice an accuracy down to ±2.5° can be obtained.

A deviation card is provided so that magnetic headings can be derived from

compass headings.