Sight Compasses

QUESTION: What is a sight compass used for in aviation?

ANSWER: A sight compass is used in aviation to determine the direction of a distant landmark or a known point on the ground, allowing pilots to navigate more accurately

QUESTION: How does a sight compass work?

ANSWER: A sight compass consists of a transparent base with a sighting line and a compass card that rotates to align with magnetic north

QUESTION: What are the advantages of using a sight compass in aviation?

ANSWER: Sight compasses provide a simple and reliable method for pilots to verify their position and heading, especially in situations where other navigation systems may be unavailable or unreliable

QUESTION: How do pilots calibrate a sight compass?

ANSWER: Pilots calibrate a sight compass by setting the compass card to align with magnetic north before takeoff

QUESTION: Are sight compasses still used in modern aviation?

ANSWER: While modern aircraft are equipped with advanced navigation systems, sight compasses are still used as a backup tool in case of equipment failure or for cross-checking heading information