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Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 570 of 934

What causes compass deviation, and what does it depend on?

  1. Magnetic fields in the aircraft; it depends on the aircraft heading
  2. The Earth's magnetic field; it depends on the position of the aircraft
  3. Magnetic fields in the aircraft; it depends on the position of the aircraft
  4. The Earth's rotation; it depends on the heading
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Correct answer: Magnetic fields in the aircraft; it depends on the aircraft heading

Deviation is not affected by the geographic location of the aircraft.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Compass Systems — Magnetic Compass Induced Errors, page 226

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026