What effect does East/West acceleration have on the magnetic compass?

Prepare for your Helicopter PPL Checkride Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your pilot examination!

East/West acceleration affects the magnetic compass through a phenomenon known as magnetic compass deviation. When a helicopter experiences acceleration towards the east or west, the compass can indicate an apparent turn towards the north or south pole, respectively. This is due to the inertia of the compass card inside the housing, which causes it to lag behind the actual heading change.

For example, when a helicopter accelerates eastward, the compass may temporarily show a turn to the north, and when decelerating or moving westward, it may indicate a turn toward the south. This behavior is due to the relationship between the magnetic field and the compass's physical movement, which makes the compass sensitive to changes in speed and direction.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for pilots, as relying solely on compass readings during these phases of flight can result in navigational errors. This is why pilots must be aware of such deviations and compensate for them using other instruments or by understanding the potential for error in compass readings during acceleration.

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