Aviation Glossary - Magnetic Variation

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Magnetic Variation

The angle difference at a given point between true north and magnetic north, expressed as the number of degrees that magnetic north is displaced east or west from true north. The angle to be added to true directions to obtain magnetic directions.

source: FAA Flight Navigator's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-18)

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north; indicated on charts by isogonic lines.

source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21A)

The diffrence in degrees between the measured values of true north and magnetic north at that location.

source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16)

The orientation of a horizontal magnetic compass with respect to true north. Because there is a continuous small change of direction of lines of magnetic force over the surface of the earth, magnetic variation at most locations is not constant over long periods of time.

source: ICAO Aviation Chart Glossary

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Disclaimer: While this glossary in most cases is likely to be highly accurate and useful, sometimes, for any number of editorial, transcription, technical, and other reasons, it might not be. Additionally, as somtimes you may have found yourself brought to this page through an automated term matching system, you may find definitions here that do not match the cotext or application in which you saw the original term. Please use your good judgement when using this resource.