Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 564 of 934

How often should a pilot check a free-gyro heading indicator against the magnetic compass?

  1. Only before takeoff
  2. About every 15 minutes
  3. About every 2 hours
  4. Only after a turn of 90° or more
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Correct answer: About every 15 minutes

The pilot sets the heading indicator to the compass when the aircraft is straight and level at constant speed.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Gyroscopic Flight Instruments — Remote Indicating Compass, page 224

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026