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In practice, the inclination causes our compass to give incorrect readings at high

latitudes. Especially during acceleration or deceleration and when turning,

incorrect readings are obtained.

At the equator, the magnetic field lines are parallel to the earth's surface and the

compass is unaffected by inclination, and thus most accurate.

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9.5.4 Variation

Depending on where and when on

the globe we are, if we draw a line

from our position to magnetic north

and true north, respectively, there

will be a difference (an angle)

between the two lines.

Variation describes the difference a compass will show between the direction to

true and magnetic north.

Deviation describes how much the compass north

deviates from magnetic north (more on this later).

When the direction to magnetic north is east of the

direction to true north, the variation is referred to
as east or +.

Similarly, to the west, it is referred to as west or -.

Flyveteori PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© marts 2026 834