Pilot Exam Coach

US Private Pilot

Switch to Canada PSTAR
Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 573 of 934

A pilot turns toward north and uses the 15 degrees plus half the latitude rule at 40 degrees latitude. When should the pilot stop the turn?

  1. 20 degrees before the desired heading
  2. 35 degrees after the desired heading
  3. 35 degrees before the desired heading
  4. 15 degrees after the desired heading
Show answer

Correct answer: 35 degrees before the desired heading

In northerly turns, the compass leads the turn. 15 plus half of 40 is 35 degrees.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Compass Systems — Northerly Turning Errors, page 228

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026