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Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 576 of 934

A pilot starts a turn from a southerly heading. How does the magnetic compass react?

  1. It lags behind the turn
  2. It leads the turn
  3. It does not move
  4. It reverses its direction
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Correct answer: It leads the turn

When starting a turn from a northerly heading, the compass lags behind the turn.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Compass Systems — Lags or Leads, page 229

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026