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CFI Instrument Practical Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-9B, June 2001

IX. Emergency Operations

The examiner shall select at least one TASK.

B. Loss of Gyro Attitude and Heading Indicators

To determine that the applicant:
  1. Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements related to loss of gyro attitude and heading indicators by describing
      a. Recognition of inaccurate or inoperative gyro instruments
        1) Monitor suction gauge (4.5-5.4 inHg)
        2) Make no control inputs based on one instrument - cross check all available
        3) Sudden, complete loss of vacuum gyros
          a) Vacuum gauge 0
          b) AI and HI fail within minutes
        4) Slow deterioration in vacuum pressure
          a) AI and HI slow, incorrect
          b) Developing conflict between AI, HI and other instruments
        5) AI, HI failure
          a) AI shows turn, possibly steep, but TC and MC confirm SLF
          b) AI shows SLF, but TC and MC confirm turn
          c) HI shows slow (or fast) turn, but TC and MC confirm SLF
          d) Difficult, confusing navigation with HI headings unsteady
        6) Promptly cover failed AI and HI
      b. Notifcation of ATC of gyro loss and whether able to continue with flight clearance
        1) Notify ATC of loss of gyro instruments
        2) Continue flight in VFR conditions (to reasonably close airport where repairs can be made)
        3) If IFR, request vectors to VFR conditions
        4) If unable VFR conditions, choose and execute best available approach (e.g., ILS) on partial panel with ATC vectors if available
      c. Importance of timely transition from full to partial panel condition
        1) Failed AI and HI can distract and trick pilot into making improper control inputs leading to disorientation in an unusal attitude
        2) Ignore failed AI and HI and cover them ASAP
        3) Go to partial panel scan at once
          a) Wings level with TC (primary for bank), centered ball
          b) Pitch level with ALT (primary for pitch), VSI, ASI
          c) Navigation with MC for heading information d) GPS "HI" mode may help navigation
  2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to loss of gyro attitude and heading indicators by describing
      a. Slow to recognize inaccurate or inoperative gyro instruments
        1) Failed AI and HI can distract and trick pilot into making improper control inputs leading to disorientation in an unusal attitude
        2) Cross check and interpret several to all flight instruments before any control input
      b. Failure to notify ATC of situation
        1) In IMC, situation is at least urgent, and may become emergent
        2) ATC can help
      c. Failure to adequately transition from full to partial panel condition
        Cover failed instruments ASAP
  3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains loss of gyro attitude and heading indicators by conducting a non-precision instrument approach without the use of these instruments (use VIII TASK A)
  4. Analyzes and corrects common errors related to loss of gyro attitude and heading indicators

References
14 CFR Part 91
Aviation Instructor's Handbook, FAA-H-8083-9
Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15, 1999
Instrument Rating PTS, FAA-S-8081-4D, April 2004
NACO TPPs
AIM


Greg Gordon MD, CFII
Updated: