The Earth = a Giant Magnetic Dipole

Two poles, One field.

This field extends far into space (magnetosphere)

But is strongest near the surface of the earth.

and because it’s a DIPOLE,

and not a monopole or uniform source...

Its Magnetic field strength drops off FAST

Not linearly, Not even by INVERSE SQUARE LAW..

It obeys the INVERSE CUBE LAW

Magnetic field strength ∝ 1 / r³

Now imagine being a Pilot ..