NavList:

David C, you asked:

Is the magnetic compass used today or is it of theoretical/histrorical interest only. I believe that in a moving vehicle GNSS can give the track and surely that is what matters, not heading.

Over the past few years there has been a growing feeling in the aviation community that the time has come for the use of true direction to replace magnetic direction in General Aviation.  The reason’s why are ably described in the attached article (released courtesy of the Editor of Navigation News) by my friend and fellow navigator the late Paul Hickley.

As with all such things, the change can only be agreed by International Convention, so although the case is under consideration, it might be a while before anything definite comes of it.  This is a pity so far as the United Kingdom is concerned, because at the moment, magnetic variation in the UK is close to zero, so this would be the ideal time to change with minimum disruption.  DaveP