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Aviation glossary

Acceleration Error

What is acceleration error?

FAA handbook figure illustrating acceleration error

Acceleration error is a magnetic compass error that shows up when you accelerate or decelerate while flying an easterly or westerly heading. During acceleration the compass card swings toward North, and during deceleration it swings toward South. Think of it as the memory aid "ANDS"—Accelerate North, Decelerate South.

Also known as: ANDS

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