What are the major sources of error in the heading indicator?

The major sources of error in the heading indicator are primarily related to bearing friction and Earth's rotation. The heading indicator, or directional gyro, is a gyroscopic instrument used in aviation to display the aircraft's heading relative to magnetic north.

Bearing friction refers to the physical resistance that can affect the gyroscope's ability to maintain its orientation. This can lead to an error in the heading displayed if the gyroscope does not respond quickly or accurately to changes in aircraft orientation.

Earth's rotation contributes to the precession of the gyroscope, which means that as the Earth rotates, it can cause the heading indicator to drift over time, leading to inaccuracies in the heading reading if not corrected. Pilots need to regularly realign their heading indicators with a magnetic compass to account for this drift and ensure accurate navigation.

Understanding these sources of error is crucial for pilots, as relying solely on the heading indicator without regular updates can lead to navigation mistakes, especially over long distances or in complex airspace.