When entering a left turn from a northerly heading, a magnetic compass will initially indicate what?

When entering a left turn from a northerly heading, a magnetic compass will initially indicate a turn toward the east due to magnetic compass precession. This phenomenon occurs as the compass aligns itself with the Earth’s magnetic field.

As you begin the left turn, the compass card is affected by the inertia of the fluid inside the compass and the magnetic dip, which causes it to lag behind or momentarily lead the turn, depending on the direction of the turn relative to the magnetic meridian. In this specific case of a left turn from north, the compass will initially point toward the east as it starts to adjust to the new heading. This effect is particularly pronounced when the aircraft is close to the meridian—where a north heading is transitioning to a west heading.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for pilots as it helps to maintain situational awareness and prevent confusion about the aircraft's actual heading during maneuvers. Recognizing compass behavior during turns is essential for successful navigation and for ensuring safety in flight.