SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-compass-north-lead

Turning from east to north at 30 degrees latitude in a 15 degree bank, about when do you roll out by compass?

Start rolling out around 37 degrees, before reaching north.

Start playing free

  1. At about 353 degrees on the compass
  2. At about 37 degrees on the compass ✔
  3. Exactly at 0 degrees on the compass

Why: Compass turning error is roughly equal to your latitude. Turning to north, you lead the roll-out by that amount plus your normal lead: 30 degrees latitude plus about half the 15 degree bank, so about 37 degrees.

Huh, didn't know that: Turning to south, you keep turning until the compass passes south by your latitude, minus the normal roll-out lead.

The dad joke
Why was the compass a good listener? It always pointed in the right direction.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: At about 37 degrees on the compass. Compass turning error is roughly equal to your latitude. Turning to north, you lead the roll-out by that amount plus your normal lead: 30 degrees latitude plus about half the 15 degree bank, so about 37 degrees.

  1. FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/pilots/FAA-H-8083-15B.pdf
    When turning to a heading of north, the lead for roll-out must include
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

FlyingAccelerating on an east or west heading, what does the magnetic compass briefly show?FlyingHow often should you compare the heading indicator with the magnetic compass in flight?FlyingHow fast does a standard rate turn change your heading?

That's stuff everyone should know.