What is the primary purpose of a compass in an aircraft?

The primary purpose of a compass in an aircraft is to provide directional information relative to magnetic north. This function is crucial for navigation, allowing pilots to determine their heading and make necessary course adjustments during flight. The compass indicates the aircraft's orientation throughout the different phases of a flight, aiding in maintaining the intended flight path and ensuring that the pilot can navigate effectively.

Understanding the aircraft's position relative to magnetic north is essential for both reaching the destination safely and for executing flight maneuvers accurately. The magnetic compass works by aligning itself with the Earth's magnetic field, providing pilots with consistent and reliable directional information that is used in conjunction with other navigation instruments. This is fundamental for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations, where precise navigation is a priority.