Bob wrote:
Hello,

Am not a pilot, but was wondering about this.

In commercial aviation, and I guess for private flying also, when
directions are given, are they assumed to be True or Magnetic ?

Almost everything is magnetic.

What do pilots use these days for direction ?
I assume a gyro compass of some sort but am not sure. Is this correct ?
If so, is this Magnetic or True ?

Gyro based direction indicators are set from the magentic compass and are
called heading indicators.

The true gyrocompasses used in ships are not used in airplanes.

I can't believe they spend the effort converting from one to another.
Do they ?

Yes.

Are chart roses they use shown as True or Mag. ?

Depends on what you mean by "chart roses".

Aviation charts have rings around VOR stations that are magnetic.

They also have true NSEW grid lines and lines showing the local magnetic
variation.

What's in the cockpit ?
Do they still have a Mag. compass there ?

It is one of the few instruments required by regulation for all airplanes.

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

OK, there are more than just floating needle magnetic compasses these days.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluxgate_compass

Thanks,
Bob

--
Jim Pennino

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