In the Southern Hemisphere, when turning onto which heading will a direct reading magnetic compass lead an airplane's actual heading?

In the Southern Hemisphere, the behavior of a direct reading magnetic compass is influenced by the magnetic variation and the inclination of the Earth's magnetic field. When an aircraft is heading North, the compass will generally lead the aircraft's actual heading. This is an essential aspect of magnetic compass operation, particularly in areas where the magnetic field is strongest.

When turning onto a North heading, the compass accurately reflects the aircraft's actual heading due to the magnetic forces aligning with the direction of flight. This alignment ensures that the magnetic compass points towards magnetic North, allowing pilots to rely on it for navigation. Pilots must be aware of how the compass behaves in different hemispheres and how it reacts during turns, as it can lead or lag depending on the heading and geographical location.

In contrast, when turning to East, West, or South in the Southern Hemisphere, the compass tends to show a lag or lead behavior that can lead to inaccuracies in the indicated heading as compared to the actual heading. Understanding the specific behavior of the compass in these cases is crucial for navigation and ensures safe flight operations.