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Teaching and Learning Flying - Airplane Instrument Rating

Attitude Instrument Flying


DEFINITION

Attitude instrument flying (AIF) may be defined as the control of an aircraft's spatial position by using the flight instruments rather than outside visual references.

SAFETY FACTORS

Proper interpretation of flight instruments yields essentially the same information about the aircraft's spatial orientation as outside visual references. Safe, precise, proficient performance of any instrument flight maneuver depends fundamentally on mastery of basic AIF. Competence in AIF flying not only makes possible safe, precise flight in IMC, but also enhances the safety and accuracy of VFR flight. Thorough understanding of the operation and use of all the flight instruments plus regular practice leads to prompt recognition of instrument failure and transition to safe partial panel attitude instrument flight.

TOLERANCES

Instrument Rating PTS (FAA-S-8081-4D)
IV. A. To determine that the applicant can perform basic flight maneuvers
    1. Exhibits adequate knowledge of the elements related to attitude instrument flying during straight-and-level, climbs, turns and descents while conducting various instrument procedures.
    2. Maintains altitude within +/- 100 feet during level flight, headings within +/- 10°, airspeed within +/- 10 knots, and bank angles within +/- 5° during turns.
    3. Uses proper instrument crosscheck and interpretation, and applies the appropriate pitch, bank and trim corrections when applicable.

OBJECTIVES

To encourage mastery of AIF to increase pilot proficiency and enhance the safety of flight
To develop the student's knowledge and skill in AIF to meet instrument pilot PTS

PROCEDURES

Preflight
  • Instruments more precise than visual references
  • Two basic methods
  • Fundamental skills
    1. Cross-check
        Continuous, logical observation of instruments for attitude and performance information
        Radial Scan
        Proficient pilot adjusts scan rate and sequence to specific flight situation
        Common errors
          Fixation
          Omission
          Emphasis
    2. Interpretation
        Applied knowledge of
          instrument construction and operating principles
          aircraft performance capabilities (POH)
        Learn what performance to expect and combination of instruments to interpret for each flight condition
    3. Control
        Four components
          Pitch
          Bank
          Power
          Trim
        Common error - Tension - use relaxed touch
  • The Three Step Scan (Rod Machado)
    1. Select attitude and power. Trim and confirm.
        Know and use predetermined attitudes and power settings for basic flight conditions
        Confirm proper attitude indicator response to control input
          Turn triangle of agreement
          1. attitude indicator
          2. turn coordinator
          3. magnetic compass
          Pitch triangle of agreement
          1. attitude indicator
          2. vertical speed indicator
          3. alternate static system (activate to resolve disagreement)
    2. Radial scan the primary instruments.
        Start at and alternate back to the attitude indicator
    3. Trim using the VSI and monitor scan the Big 6
        Trim rudder
        Trim elevator for constant VSI in SLF or constant rate climb or descent
        Scan the six flight instruments and repeat

  • SLF
      SLF
      Pitch Bank Power
      Primary ALT HI ASI
      Secondary AI, VSI AI, TC MP, RPM

  • Turns
      Turn, constant airspeed - Full panel
      Pitch Bank Power
      Primary ALT TC ASI
      Secondary AI, VSI AI MP, RPM

  • Change of airpseed
      Airspeed change in SLF - Full panel
      Pitch Bank Power
      Primary ALT HI MP(RPM) -> ASI
      Secondary AI, VSI AI, TC ASI -> MP(RPM)

      Airspeed change in turn - Full panel
      Pitch Bank Power
      Primary ALT TC MP(RPM) -> ASI
      Secondary AI, VSI AI ASI -> MP(RPM)

  • Constant airspeed climbs and descents
      Climb (or descent), straight, constant airspeed
      Full panel
      Pitch Bank Power
      Primary AI -> ASI HI MP(RPM)
      Secondary AI, VSI AI, TC -> ASI

  • Constant rate climbs and descents
      Climb (or descent), straight, constant rate
      Full panel
      Pitch Bank Power
      Primary VSI HI ASI
      Secondary AI AI, TC MP(RPM)

Inflight Postflight
    Critique student performance

COMMON ERRORS

  • Fixation, omission, emphasis during cross-check
  • Overcontrolling
      Smooth, gently control pressures
      Use two step corrections
      1. Just enough control pressure to stop needle movement
      2. A bit more to start smooth correction
  • Uncoordinated use of controls
      Keep the ball centered
  • Improper trim control
      Trim to relieve control pressures
      Small, frequent adjustments

References
Greg Gordon MD, CFII
Updated: