Gyroscopic Heading Indicator
A gyroscopic heading indicator, often referred to as a directional gyro (DG), is an aircraft instrument that detects movement and displays the aircraft’s heading based on a 360° azimuth. Unlike a magnetic compass, the heading indicator is not affected by the forces that can make a compass difficult to interpret, such as magnetic deviation or acceleration.
Designed to facilitate the use of the magnetic compass, the gyroscopic heading indicator is a mechanical instrument that provides a more stable indication of an aircraft’s heading than what can be achieved with a magnetic compass alone. This instrument is dependent upon other sources, such as a magnetic compass, for initial and updated directional alignment. Its accuracy can be affected by mechanical wear, temperature changes, and other factors, which must be monitored and calibrated by the pilot or maintenance personnel.
« Back to Glossary Index