2007-01-22 02:11:02 · 14 answers · asked by ? 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
Saif has it right, but not for the correct reason. The kerosene is to dampen the oscillations of the card.
This is NOT the same type of kero that you burn in a heater or lamp.
2007-01-22 10:02:55 · answer #1 · answered by cherokeeflyer 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
White acid free kerosene. It does help dampen oscillations as stated, but it floats the compass card so it is free to move towards north, while being a fluid with relatively low viscosity, reducing the friction between the liquid and compass card that could affect readings.
2007-01-22 21:23:57 · answer #2 · answered by ajvpb 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
a wet compass is suspended in a type of light oil called Varsol.
2007-01-22 11:13:08 · answer #3 · answered by mark t 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Back in the day it was wiskey, thats why you'll sometimes hear old timers call it a wiskey compass. Now its an either and oil or alchol. Basicly anything that doesnt evaporate.
2007-01-22 10:56:00 · answer #4 · answered by pilot dickie doo daa 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
In the old days it used to be Whiskey, in the more modern aircraft its a form of Kerosene
2007-01-22 14:12:50 · answer #5 · answered by pilotattitude 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are suspended in kerosene. It does not freeze and it lubricates at the same time.
2007-01-22 14:49:26 · answer #6 · answered by Jason 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Acid-free kerosene.
2007-01-22 12:38:44 · answer #7 · answered by mach_92 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Its purified clear Kerosine oil to aviod dip error.
2007-01-22 11:14:49 · answer #8 · answered by Paassion 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
kerosene.
i used to fly an old cessna 150 aerobat and every time i flew it it would drip on my hand when i had my hand on the throttle. it smelled kinda like diesel, but more oily.
2007-01-22 20:04:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Alcohol.
2007-01-22 12:22:20 · answer #10 · answered by No More 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋