On Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 7:53:14 AM UTC-7, Dan Marotta wrote:
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

I wonder how many sailplanes have the required magnetic deviation card for their required compass.