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Avionics and instruments: Difference between revisions
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→Directional Gyro
(→Compass: Elaborated on magnetic variation and added an example magvar shell script) |
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* It is heavier than a magnetic compass | * It is heavier than a magnetic compass | ||
* It requires a source of power, either electricity or vacuum. If the power source fails, the DG will fail. Because the gyro spins down slowly, it will slowy drift off heading. If the pilot does not notice that the vacuum or elctrical system has failed, he may not realize that the DG has failed. This can lead a pilot off course. | * It requires a source of power, either electricity or vacuum. If the power source fails, the DG will fail. Because the gyro spins down slowly, it will slowy drift off heading. If the pilot does not notice that the vacuum or elctrical system has failed, he may not realize that the DG has failed. This can lead a pilot off course. | ||
* Gyros precess over time, and must be periodically realigned with the magnetic compass | * Gyros precess over time, and must be periodically realigned with the magnetic compass, usually every fifteen minutes. | ||
* Turbulence or maneuvering can "tumble" the gyro, resulting in wildly erratic readings. | * Turbulence or maneuvering can "tumble" the gyro, resulting in wildly erratic readings. | ||