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Which of the following variables affect deviation?

1. Magnetic latitude
2. Aircraft heading
3. Aircraft altitude
4. Aircraft electronic equipment

  • A
    3 and 4 only
  • B
    1, 2, and 4
  • C
    2 and 3 only
  • D
    1, 2, and 3

Refer to figure.
DEVIATION is the angle between the Compass North and the Magnetic North. It is measured in degrees and is described as East (+) or West (-).

Magnetic heading plus or minus deviation equals compass heading:
Deviation East – Compass Least
Deviation West – Compass Best

The Earth’s magnetic field is distorted by the metal and electrical equipment around it. Thus, the compass needle will deviate from magnetic north and will indicate a direction which is known as “Compass North”

Deviation, therefore, varies with:

  • Magnetic Latitude: strength of the earth’s magnetic field varies.
  • Electronic Equipment: producing interfering magnetic fields.
  • Aircraft Heading: orientation of the interfering magnetic field changes.

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