Abstract: There is provided a new and useful deflection method and apparatus for use in directional drilling, the apparatus comprising a housing which is adapted to be disposed about a drill string and to be rotatable relative to the drill string; a deflection member pivotally connected to the housing and moveable between a first equilibrium position in which the member is in a retracted position adjacent the housing and a second position in which the member is biased toward an extended position outwardly of the housing; means for maintaining the member in the first equilibrium position; means responsive to an external force for releasing the member from the equilibrium position; and means for biasing the deflection member into the extended position; and wherein the means for biasing is responsive to the release of the deflection member from the first equilibrium position to move the deflection member toward the second position. The method comprises the use of an apparatus such as that of the invention.