A poor showing during a ramp inspection (we're not happy until you're
not happy) would likely result in your aircraft being grounded until you
show compliance.

I'll bet the F-35 has a "whiskey" compass and I'll further wager that
the flight manual says something along the lines of, "Flying by use of
the magnetic compass is an emergency procedure." At least that's the
way it was back in the '70s.

On 10/28/2015 8:32 AM, wrote:
A sailplane's Flight Manual usually requires a magnetic compass (or an aviation compass)as minimum equipment. Well, panel space has become less available and you are seeing fewer sailplanes with panel or glare-shield mounted 2.25 Airpath C2xxx or PAI-700 aircraft specific compasses.

Anyone have a "point" to an off panel compass that might meet FAA scrunity? Unfortunately the Cook compass manufactured by COBB-SLATER Instruments Co. Ltd is no longer available. http://compassmuseum.com/aero/aero.htm#COOK

Probably, a magnetic compass is the last instrument used by a competition pilot. Most competition sailplanes have 3 or more separate GPS engines and it is very simple to have them on independent battery sources. What would be the "penalty" if your sailplane failed a FAA "courtesy" ramp inspection because it lacked a magnetic compass?

Does a F-35 Lighting II joint strike fighter has a magnetic compass?

--
Dan, 5J