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Why should a pilot occasionally have the compass deviation checked?

  1. Landing shocks, vibration, and equipment changes alter magnetic forces
  2. The Earth's magnetic field changes a little during every single flight
  3. Variation on the chart changes with each season
  4. The compass card loses its calibration at high altitude
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Correct answer: Landing shocks, vibration, and equipment changes alter magnetic forces

The magnetic forces within the aircraft change, so the deviation must be checked now and then.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 16: Navigation — Deviation, page 395

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026