

Align the aircraft to the 270-degree (west) heading.

For example if the compass reads 184 while the aircraft is positioned at 180 degrees, adjust the north-south compensator until the compass indicates 182 degrees.Ĥ. If it is not 180, adjust the north-south compensator screw to remove half the difference of the reading and actual heading. Align the aircraft to the 180-degree (south) heading. If the aircraft compass does not indicate 90 degrees, adjust the east-west compensator screw until it reads 90.ģ. Align the aircraft to the 90-degree (east) heading. If the aircraft compass is not in alignment with magnetic north, adjust the north-south compensator screw with a non-metallic screwdriver until the compass reads 0 degrees.Ģ. Proper configuration, align the aircraft to the 0 degree (north) heading.
#Swing it like a helicopter manual#
Always refer to the maintenance manual for manufacturer-specific swing They either perform it on a compass rose at the airport, or use a calibrated master compass to align the aircraft during the swing. Check the maintenance manual to ensure the aircraft isĪircraft. If there is any equipment aboard the aircraft that has any magnetic effect on the compass, ensure it is secured in the position it would be in during normal flight. Magnetic tools when adjusting the compass. Those performing the compass swing should remove any magnetic or ferrous items from their person. If the airport has a compass rose to perform compass swings, these areas are typically surveyed
#Swing it like a helicopter free#
Ensure the area where the compass swing is performed is free of steel structures, underground pipes or cables, or equipment that produces magnetic fields. After an aircraft has been parked on one heading for more than a yearīefore beginning a compass swing, there are a few tips to keep in mind.Subjected to a shock for example, after a hard landing or turbulence In this article, we will discuss performing a compass swing as well as take a look at a new product designed to save time and headaches when performing this task.ĪC 43.13-1B lists several instances when a compass swing must be Many of you are familiar with this task - sitting inside the aircraft, engines running, air conditioner off so it doesn’t disrupt the magnetic compass, as you taxi all around the compass rose, relying on your co-worker’s accuracy in lining the aircraft up with the line marked on the compass rose. Compass swing - those two words bring images of a time-consuming task.
