Copyright PartsBase ©2023 All Rights Reserved
217 Countries & Territories
99% Search Success Rate
15B+ Aviation Parts
What our customers are saying about us!
Aircraft Compass Parts for Sale
on the World’s Largest Online Community for Aircraft Parts & Services
Join the largest community for aviation parts and services!
Access to the largest database of aerospace parts and services.
Cutting-edge technologies for streamlined aviation workflows.
World's largest community of aviation professionals and companies.
PartsBase is a very useful tool I take advantage of daily. When it comes to Sourcing parts I operate on urgent AOG requirements. PartsBase provides me with so many useful tools and diverse vendors to make sure I can satisfy all my requirements!
Zachery Baker,
Emergency Response Coordinator
Jimmy White,
Manager APU Shop
I understand first hand why companies use PartsBase. The PartsBase team is exceptional and the system is top notch. I truly appreciated all the support over the years.
At Duncan Aviation Parts & Rotable Sales, we receive thousands of phone calls from customers wanting to buy parts because they found us in PartsBase.
Chris Gress,
Parts & Rotable Sales Manager
Access to the largest database of aerospace parts and services.
Cutting-edge technologies for streamlined aviation workflows.
World's largest community of aviation professionals and companies.
Here's what PartsBase customers are saying
PartsBase is a very useful tool I take advantage of every day. When it comes to sourcing parts I operate on urgent AOG requirements. PartsBase provides me with so many useful tools and diverse vendors to make sure I can satisfy all my requirements.
Zachary Baker
Emergency Response Coordinator
Jimmy White
Operations Manager APU Shop
I understand firsthand why companies use PartsBase.The PartsBase team is exceptional and the system is top notch. I truly appreciated all the support over the years.
At Duncan Aviation Parts & Rotable Sales, we receive thousands of calls from customers wanting to buy parts because they found us in PartsBase.
Chris Gress
Parts & Rotable Sales Manager
Aircraft Compass Parts for Sale
Aircraft compasses are crucial instruments that enable pilots to navigate accurately and safely through the sky. Understanding the complexities and functionalities of these compasses is essential for any aviation enthusiast or professional.
In this article, we will delve into the various components that make up an aircraft compass, discuss their importance, and provide insights into common issues and maintenance. But first things first, what are aircraft compass parts?
What are Aircraft Compasses?
Aircraft compasses serve as reliable navigational tools, providing pilots with valuable information about their heading and direction, regardless of external factors such as cloud cover or limited visibility.
When it comes to aviation, precision and accuracy are of utmost importance. Pilots rely on a multitude of instruments and systems to ensure safe and efficient flights. Among these instruments, the aircraft compass plays a vital role in guiding pilots through the skies.
The 3 Main Roles of Aircraft Compasses
An aircraft compass is an indispensable tool for flight safety and accurate navigation. It enables pilots to:
Maintain their desired course, which is critical when flying in adverse weather conditions.
Get a reliable reference point to navigate through the skies.
Rely on them when other navigation instruments are not working.
It is now wonder that aircraft compasses are essential to a safe and efficient flight. But how exactly do they work?
How Aircraft Compasses Work
An aircraft compass operates on the principles of magnetism and allows pilots to determine their orientation relative to the Earth's magnetic field. By aligning with the Earth's magnetic lines of force, the compass needle points towards the magnetic north pole, providing pilots with their headings and directions of flight.
However, it is important to note that the aircraft compass does not directly point towards true north, as there are variations caused by magnetic declination, which is the difference between magnetic north and true north. To account for this variation, pilots consult aeronautical charts or use compass correction cards to adjust their headings accordingly.
By providing reliable heading and direction information, these devices contribute to flight safety and ensure efficient travel, even in challenging conditions. But to fully understand how this is possible we need to look into the components of the aircraft compass.
The 4 Key Components of an Aircraft Compass
Each element that composes an aircraft compass plays a vital role in ensuring the compass's accurate and reliable operation. Let’s break them down in further detail:
Component | Function | Made of |
Magnet | It aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, allowing the compass to indicate the aircraft's heading. | Neodymium magnets, which are known for their high magnetic strength and stability. |
Compass Card | It holds the markings representing the various compass directions, which enables pilots to navigate effectively and make precise course corrections. | Phosphorescent paint, which allows for visibility in low-light conditions. |
Lubber Line | It demarcates the orientation of the aircraft with respect to the compass and is often fixed in place and remains parallel to the aircraft's longitudinal axis. | Contrasting colors or raised textures to make the lubber line stand out, even in challenging lighting conditions. |
Compass Housing | It safeguards the internal components from environmental factors and provides stability for accurate readings. | Durable and lightweight material, such as aluminum or composite materials. |
Find Aircraft Parts For Sale
- Our aircraft parts database lets you quickly search through billions of aircraft parts for sale.
- Visit the PartsStore to browse a huge selection of aircraft parts.
Find Engines, Aircraft, and Maintenance Companies
- Use PB Lister to find engines and aircraft for sale, including helicopters, jets and warbirds.
- Check out our AeroPages Directory to find the right MRO company for you.
Popular Aircraft Compass Parts
You're in good company.
Trusted by 7,600 industry leaders worldwide.
Join the largest community for aviation parts and services!
Schedule a demo today to see PartsBase in action!
How the Aircraft Compass Parts Work Together
Let's explore how these parts work together in more detail in this step by step walkthrough:
The aircraft compass is calibrated and the magnet aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field.
This alignment causes the compass needle to point towards the magnetic north pole.
As the aircraft changes its heading, the magnet and compass card rotate together, ensuring that the compass needle always points in the correct direction.
The compass card allows pilots to read their current heading at a glance, enabling pilots to make precise course corrections and maintain their desired heading.
Through this harmonious interaction, aircraft compasses provide dependable navigational data, enabling pilots to make informed decisions and maintain their desired course. However, some issues may be encountered along the way, so here are the most common and how to fix them.
By gaining a comprehensive understanding of aircraft compasses, their components, and how they function, pilots and aviation enthusiasts can navigate the skies with confidence and precision. These reliable navigational devices remain a cornerstone of aviation safety, enabling pilots to reach their destinations safely and efficiently.
Manufacturers continuously innovate and improve compass component designs to ensure maximum functionality and reliability. They conduct rigorous testing to verify their structural integrity, resistance to environmental factors, and performance under various operating conditions.