SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-heading-indicator-check

How often should you compare the heading indicator with the magnetic compass in flight?

About every 15 minutes.

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  1. About every 15 minutes ✔
  2. Only once, before takeoff
  3. About once an hour

Why: A gyroscopic heading indicator slowly drifts from the heading you set. The magnetic compass is the reference, so compare and reset the heading indicator about every 15 minutes.

Huh, didn't know that: Older directional gyros show their card from the back, so a pilot can start a turn in the wrong direction.

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My heading indicator and I need to talk. It keeps drifting away.
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References

Answer: About every 15 minutes. A gyroscopic heading indicator slowly drifts from the heading you set. The magnetic compass is the reference, so compare and reset the heading indicator about every 15 minutes.

  1. FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/pilots/FAA-H-8083-15B.pdf
    This instrument should be checked about every 15 minutes
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/pilots/FAA-H-8083-15B.pdf
    the number opposite the lubber line agrees with the magnetic compass.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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Test yourself in the game

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