Aircraft Compass Swing

Compass swing — those two words bring images of a time-consuming task. Many of you are familiar with this task — sitting inside the aircraft, engines running, air conditioner off so it doesn’t disrupt the magnetic compass, as you taxi all around the compass rose, relying on your co-worker’s accuracy in lining the aircraft up with the line marked on the compass rose. In this article, we will discuss performing a compass swing as well as take a look at a new product designed to save time and headaches when performing this task.

When to Perform a Compass Swing

AC 43.13-1B lists several instances when a compass swing must be performed. These include:

Before You Begin

Before beginning a compass swing, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Ensure the area where the compass swing is performed is free of steel structures, underground pipes or cables, or equipment that produces magnetic fields. If the airport has a compass rose to perform compass swings, these areas are typically surveyed to assure it is free of interference.

Those performing the compass swing should remove any magnetic or ferrous items from their person. Use only non- magnetic tools when adjusting the compass. If there is any equipment aboard the aircraft that has any magnetic effect on the compass, ensure it is secured in the position it would be in during normal flight. Check the maintenance manual to ensure the aircraft is configured properly before beginning the compass swing.

Performing the Compass Swing

Mechanics typically use one of two methods to swing the compass on an aircraft. They either perform it on a compass rose at the airport, or use a calibrated master compass to align the aircraft during the swing. Always refer to the maintenance manual for manufacturer-specific swing procedures. Here are the steps involved in performing a compass swing.

1. With engines running and aircraft in proper configuration, align the aircraft to the 0 degree (north) heading. If the aircraft compass is not in alignment with magnetic north, adjust the north-south compensator screw with a non-metallic screwdriver until the compass reads 0 degrees.
2. Align the aircraft to the 90-degree (east) heading. If the aircraft compass does not indicate 90 degrees, adjust the east-west compensator screw until it reads 90.
3. Align the aircraft to the 180-degree (south) heading. Note the indicated heading on the aircraft compass. If it is not 180, adjust the north-south compensator screw to remove half the difference of the reading and actual heading. For example if the compass reads 184 while the aircraft is positioned at 180 degrees, adjust the north-south compensator until the compass indicates 182 degrees.
4. Align the aircraft to the 270-degree (west) heading. If the compass does not indicate 270, adjust the east-west compensator to split the difference as in the above step.

You are now ready to swing the aircraft around the headings. Starting with the current heading (270) mark down the actual reading on the compass. Turn the aircraft around the compass rose at each 30-degree heading and record the compass readings. Ensure there is not more than a 10-degree difference between any of the indicated headings on the compass and the actual heading. If the compass can’t be adjusted to meet the requirements, install another one.

Digital Compass Swing