Plain English Meaning

Turning to a new heading using only the magnetic compass, while accounting for the fact that the compass briefly lies during turns. The pilot stops the turn early or late on purpose so the compass settles on the intended heading.

Full Definition

Turns made by reference to the magnetic compass alone, using calculated lead or lag values to roll out on a desired heading. Because the magnetic compass is affected by acceleration and turning errors (most pronounced on northerly and southerly headings in the Northern Hemisphere), the pilot must under-shoot or over-shoot the target heading by a specific number of degrees to compensate.

Context Anchor

Seen in , especially when discussing turns using the magnetic compass instead of a .