Operational directive – Operation to and from airfields north of 65° latitude – Compass system limitations due to magnetic inclination/dip

This Operational Directive contains mandatory action that it is required to establish an acceptable level of safety. It is issued in accordance with the Air Navigation Act (Luftfartsloven) § 4-1 and Council Regulation (EEC) no. 3922/91 art. 8.1.

Recipients must ensure that this Directive is copied to all members of their staff who need to take appropriate action or who may have an interest in the information.

1 Introduction

This Safety Directive is applicable to operators conducting commercial air transport to and from airfields located in the Kingdom of Norway, north of 65° latitude.

2 Compliance/Action to be taken

Located in the Kingdom of Norway Located north of 65° latitude.

To comply with the requirements set out in paragraph 2.2.

Ensure that each aircraft is equipped with compass systems which adequately compensates for the effect of magnetic dip north of 65° latitude.

3 Reason

Several serious incidents have been recorded due to magnetic dip, for example as detailed in Air Accident Investigation Board Norway ( www.sht.no) report no. 2000/34.

A detailed description of the problem as well as recommended actions could be found in AOM No 622 issued by Bombardier Aerospace Regional Aircraft. It is however important to note that the problem is not limited to Bombardier Aircraft.

More than 1100 incidents are recorded during flights north of 65° latitude and within Norwegian Airspace. The most serious incident involving heading errors up to 30°.

4 Queries

Any queries or requests for further guidance from AOC holders as a result of this communication should be addressed to the assigned Operative Inspector in the first instance.

Otherwise, queries should be addressed to [email protected] and referring to Case 201209436.

5 Cancellation

This Safety Directive came into force on 10 January 2013 and shall remain in force until revoked by CAA Norway.