Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

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Prepare to excel in your Certified Flight Instructor exam with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Master the knowledge you need for success and achieve your certification with confidence!

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The angular difference between true north and magnetic north is?

Magnetic deviation.
Magnetic variation.
Compass acceleration error.
Heading error.

The correct answer is: Magnetic variation.

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north is known as magnetic variation. This term specifically refers to the discrepancy in degrees between these two north references, which can vary depending on your geographic location. Understanding magnetic variation is crucial for navigation, as it helps pilots to accurately interpret magnetic compass readings in relation to true headings, which are essential for ensuring the correct course is maintained during flight. Magnetic variation is a fixed characteristic of a location, while magnetic deviation refers to errors in the compass caused by local magnetic fields within the aircraft. Compass acceleration error and heading error are separate phenomena that affect the reliability of navigation instruments but do not represent the angular difference between true north and magnetic north. Therefore, magnetic variation is the appropriate term for this specific concept in navigation.