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Magnetic Dip

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Private Pilot

With respect to magnetic dip , define residual dip ?

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1 Answers



  1. Richard Eastman on Jul 11, 2020

    The directional force of Earth magnetic field is reflected in a horizontal line. Thus, the needle must lie horizontal to obtain the maximum accuracy. But in reality, the magnet in the compass still dips slight towards the nearest pole. This is called residual dip and is roughly + three degrees at mid latitudes. Fly a small plane like a Cessna 172 across the Pacific from the U.S. to Australia west-bound and you’ll have enough time to actually measure and see it!

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