Compass Rose Directory

vontresc

vontresc

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vonSegelGoober
OK does the FAA maintain a list of compass roses? I looked in the chart supplement, checked the FAA website, and even looked at the 99s website. No one lists any locations for compass roses.

I know that there is one locally at Hartford (KHXF), but I was wondering if there were any other ones nearby.
 
vontresc said:
OK does the FAA maintain a list of compass roses? I looked in the chart supplement, checked the FAA website, and even looked at the 99s website. No one lists any locations for compass roses.

I know that there is one locally at Hartford (KHXF), but I was wondering if there were any other ones nearby.
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von:
I've never seen a FAA listing. The 99s used to have a database of those they painted but that was years ago and I don't think they do that anymore. I do know that after the last big magnetic shift quite a few years ago, requiring the remarking of runways, a lot of compass rose were abandoned do to the requirements/expense to keep them certified.
 
kgruber said:
Faster/simpler/MUCH more accurate to do it on the ground with GPS anyway.
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K:
That it does. It's an excellent way to tweak things in, but unfortunately can't sign off a required compass swing using the GPS. Still need a master compass or certified compass rose to finish it.
 
Bell206 said:
K:
That it does. It's an excellent way to tweak things in, but unfortunately can't sign off a required compass swing using the GPS. Still need a master compass or certified compass rose to finish it.
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Actually, you don`t need a master compass anymore. These instructions changed not that long ago. Just be sure to set the local magnetic variation in the GPS first.

http://www.airpathcompass.com/J30/index.php
 
JAWS said:
Actually, you don`t need a master compass anymore. These instructions changed not that long ago. Just be sure to set the local magnetic variation in the GPS first.

http://www.airpathcompass.com/J30/index.php
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JAWS:
Interesting link. But I believe those instructions apply only to Airpath Compasses via the TSO. However, you still must use a calibrated/certified master benchmark to compare/compensate the magnetic compass. I believe there are a couple ACs that address this.
 
Here in Canada we get to swing compasses every year. I have never seen a compass rose and virtually no one has a master compass. This task tends to get pencil whipped, which is why I was glad to see something in writing from the manufacturer.
 
Almost every jet center on the planet probably has a compass rose on the airport somewhere. That's part of the deal with radio installs IMHO.
 
kgruber said:
Faster/simpler/MUCH more accurate to do it on the ground with GPS anyway.
Click to expand...



Until you celibate it near buildings or just happen to be over underground magnetic disturbances. There is a reason the site is supposed to be surveyed.
 
My wife showed me one of the ones she did with the 99s (KBDH) in Minnesota (no help to the OP). Looks very nice to this day! They are big too.

So I looked at google maps satellite view and sure enough I found one at a jet center, just wasn't nearly as big or fancy as the 99s version. So you can find them, just might have to zoom in a bit. And Murphy's Law, there's probably a jet parked on top when the Satellite flew over.
 
bnt83 said:
Almost every jet center on the planet probably has a compass rose on the airport somewhere. That's part of the deal with radio installs IMHO.
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bnt:
I think you'll find most "jet centers" use pricey portable magnetic test equipment that simulates a calibrated field and allows certified compensation adjustments. With the evolution of TCAS, FOGs, etc. the old surveyed/certified compass rose couldn't cut it any more which was another reason for their demise. The use of a GPS is a poor mans way of getting a magnetic compass set up quickly before officially swinging it. However, there are a few GPS procedures that can be used legally but I think it is done while flying. I'll stick to my master compass method.
 
JAWS said:
Here in Canada we get to swing compasses every year. I have never seen a compass rose and virtually no one has a master compass. This task tends to get pencil whipped, which is why I was glad to see something in writing from the manufacturer.
Click to expand...
Aren't you lucky. Just like the 406 ELT requirements.
 
Bell206 said:
......The use of a GPS is a poor mans way of getting a magnetic compass set up quickly before officially swinging it. However, there are a few GPS procedures that can be used legally but I think it is done while flying...........
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Using GPS is THE most accurate method, and is certainly done on the ground, rather than in the air where winds would affect the results.
 
How do you use a GPS on the ground to get heading?
 
Right, so how do you swing a compass with a GPS?
 
GeorgeC said:
Right, so how do you swing a compass with a GPS?
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http://www.airpathcompass.com/J30/index.php
  • 1. Set adjustment screws of compensator on zero. Zero position of adjustment screw is obtained by lining up the dot on the screw with the dot on the compensator frame.
  • 2. Head aircraft on magnetic North heading. Adjust N-S adjustment screw until compass reads exactly North.
  • 3. Head aircraft on magnetic East heading. Adjust E-W adjustment screw until compass reads exactly East.
  • 4. Head aircraft on magnetic South heading. Note the resulting South error. Adjust the N-S adjusting screw until one-half of this error is removed.
  • 5. Head aircraft on magnetic West heading. Note the resulting West error. Adjust the E-W adjusting screw until one-half of this error is removed.
  • 6. Head aircraft in successive magnetic 30-degree headings and record all errors on the deviation card furnished with the compass.
 
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