Which error occurs when turning north or south with a magnetic compass?

When making a turn toward the north or south, the phenomenon known as the turning error occurs due to the way a magnetic compass functions. The compass relies on the Earth’s magnetic field to indicate direction, and when the aircraft changes its heading, the compass may momentarily show an incorrect heading.

During a turn, especially towards the poles, the magnetic field lines become more vertical, which can cause the compass to lag in reflecting the new heading. This is most pronounced when turning to or from a north or south heading. As you initiate a turn to the north, for instance, the compass might show a turn to the west before finally settling on the correct heading. Conversely, during a turn to the south, there can be a similar delay, leading to an inaccurate reading.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for pilots, as it can lead to navigational errors if the pilot does not account for the tendency of the compass to lag or to indicate a wrong direction during turns. Hence, recognizing the turning error specifically related to movements towards the magnetic poles is essential for proper navigation and heading management.