Definition
A direction-sensing instrument that determines magnetic heading by detecting voltages induced in a sensing coil as the coil rotates through the Earth's magnetic field. The induced voltage varies with the coil's orientation relative to magnetic north, and this signal is processed electrically to drive a remote heading indicator in the cockpit.
Plain English
A compass that figures out which way the aircraft is pointing by sensing the Earth's magnetic field with a spinning coil, then sending that information electrically to a display on the panel.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft instrument-system discussions, especially where heading information is sensed remotely and displayed on an instrument panel.
Derivation
From Latin 'inducere' meaning 'to lead in.' In electrical terms, induction is when a moving magnetic field 'leads' a voltage into a nearby coil. The compass uses this effect to read the Earth's magnetic field rather than relying on a swinging magnet.
Why Pilots Care
Unlike a simple magnetic compass that sits in the windscreen and is affected by aircraft vibration and acceleration errors at the pilot's eye, an induction compass can be mounted in a magnetically quiet part of the airframe (like a wingtip) and feed a steady, easy-to-read heading display on the panel.
Analogy
A simple magnetic compass points with a magnet. An induction compass is more like an electrical sensor that feels which way Earth’s magnetic field is pointing and sends that direction to a display.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse induction here with the engine induction system, which deals with air entering the engine. In induction compass, induction means electrical sensing caused by a magnetic field.
Example Sentence 1
The induction compass sensor was mounted in the wingtip to keep it away from the magnetic interference of the engine and avionics.
Example Sentence 2
Mechanics checked the induction compass coils during the instrument panel inspection.