What is the function of a magnetometer?

What is the function of a magnetometer?

• A. Measures the strength of the Earth's magnetic field to determine aircraft heading
• B. Measures airspeed
• C. Measures altitude
• D. Measures wind direction

Answer: (A)

The magnetometer’s function is to measure the local magnetic field and use that information to determine the aircraft’s heading relative to magnetic north. It senses the strength and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field along three axes, and avionics translate that into a magnetic heading for display in the cockpit. This is different from measuring airspeed, which comes from the pitot-static system, altitude from the altimeter, or wind direction from other weather/navigation tools. Magnetic readings can be affected by nearby ferrous materials or electrical systems, so calibration and accounting for deviation and variation are important for accurate heading.

The magnetometer’s function is to measure the local magnetic field and use that information to determine the aircraft’s heading relative to magnetic north. It senses the strength and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field along three axes, and avionics translate that into a magnetic heading for display in the cockpit. This is different from measuring airspeed, which comes from the pitot-static system, altitude from the altimeter, or wind direction from other weather/navigation tools. Magnetic readings can be affected by nearby ferrous materials or electrical systems, so calibration and accounting for deviation and variation are important for accurate heading.