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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© 2025 833