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Old October 29th 15, 05:30 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Jonathan St. Cloud
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Posts: 1,463
Default Alternative magnetic compass

I just googled searched for photos of F-22 and F-35 cockpits and instrument panels, did not see a compass. Sure there is a gryo, but could not find a non electronic compass. I too think it is a relic of days gone by. I have three gps' in my bird, a selection of three batteries with turtle deck solar panels, I can use to power the instrument cluster and each instrument is individually fused. As a back up I have an iPhone, and maps where by I can align the topographic features to what I see outside, thus determine the rough compass headings.

In 4,500 hours of flying I have only used a vertical card compass to determine the direction of the runway while approaching an airport. Now with my moving map, I think I shall not even do that.