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Using GPS vs. Compass to set Heading Indicator

Asked by: 5258 views General Aviation, Private Pilot

While in flight is it smart, legal or just not a good idea to change your heading indicator based on your GPS heading?  I was taught to use the compass but based on how you have to be level and  because it moves 2 to 3 degrees either way it seems like using the GPS heading would be more accurate.

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1 Answers



  1. JamesCFI on Aug 26, 2011

    Set it to the compass. Also if you set it to the GPS you have your DG indicating the track (at that particular time) not your heading.

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