Instrument Flying
This can be overcome by reading and interpreting the flight instruments and acting accordingly
Spatial Disorientation
Do not rely on signals from your body or "seat of the pants" flying.
Direction and amount of change on the altimeter when moving Kollsman window from 30.11" Hg to 29.96" Hg
Altimeter indicates 150 feet lower.
During entry into a 500 FPM climb from level flight, what is the indication on the VSI with iced over static port(s)?
0 FPM (zero)
The following are the two main principles of gyroscopic operation...
This defines the required fuel for IFR flight...
1. Complete the flight to intended landing (“destination”); and
2. Fly from intended destination to alternate airport (if alternate required); and
3. Fly thereafter for 45 minutes at normal cruise speed
When pressure altitude and density altitude are at the same value
Standard Temperature
This type of altitude is used to define Flight Levels
Pressure Altitude
In the airplane while taxiing, how do you know what pressure altitude is at that location on that day?If the ram air input of the pitot system is blocked, what airspeed indication can be expected?
Airspeed indicates zero (0)
Both instruments are gyroscopic, but the Attitude Indicator is typically powered by suction (air) and the Turn Coordinator is powered by electricity (AC-power).
How do you know if an alternate airport is required?
1. No instrument approach at intended destination; or
2. +/- 1 hour ETA at destination; ceiling < 2,000’ or visibility < 3 SM (“1-2-3 Rule”)
When pressure altitude and true altitude are at the same value
Standard Atmosphere (standard temp & pressure)
15-degrees C (sea level) & 29.92" Hg (pressure)
En route at FL290, the altimeter is set correctly to 29.92" Hg, but NOT reset to the local altimeter setting of 30.57" Hg during descent. With field elevation of 650 feet, what would the altimeter indicate upon landing?
Sea Level or Zero Feet (0 feet)
If both the ram air input AND drain hole of the pitot system are blocked, what airspeed indication can be expected?
Increase of indicated airspeed during a climb or decrease of airspeed during a descent (acts "like" an altimeter).
Gyroscopes tend to maintain their original alignment in space despite what goes on around them
Rigidity in Space
You decide to deviate to your planned/filed alternate airport, but the weather there is 400' Overcast and 4 SM visibility, what approach minimums are applicable?
The published approach minimums on the selected Instrument Approach procedure chart.
** DAILY DOUBLE **
A condition which would cause the altimeter to indicate lower altitude than actually flown (true altitude)
Air temperature warmer than standard
In contrast, true altitude would be lower under standard pressure conditions when the air temperature is colder.
While flying level at FL250, you hear ATC give another aircraft a local altimeter setting of 29.78" Hg. At what pressure altitude are you flying?
25,000 feet
If the static air input of the pitot system is blocked, what airspeed indication can be expected?
Increase of indicated airspeed during a descent or increase of airspeed during a descent (acts "like" an altimeter).
This is indicated by the needle/pointer on the Turn-and-Slip Indicator
On approach when can you descend below MDA or DA?
1. Aircraft is continuously in a position from which a descent to a landing on the intended runway can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvers; and
2. The flight visibility is not less than the visibility prescribed in the standard instrument approach being used; and
3. Visual references for the intended runway is distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot
Without a Turn Coordinator, how would a pilot fly a Standard Rate turn at 120 knots TAS?
Using the Attitude Indicator with 18-degrees bank angle
Remember, Standard Rate Turn for two minutes is 360-degrees.
While using an alternate static source, what is the indication on the altimeter?
Airspeed Indicator reads higher due to lower pressure inside of the cockpit
The following is observed with VSI indications should the pilot decide to break to VSI instrument glass due to failure of all other static sources
VSI would function, but indications would be reversed (e.g., an actual climb of 500 FPM is indicated as a 500 FPM descent)
During preflight/taxi, what should be indicated by the Attitude Indicator?
Preflight: gyros align within 5 minutes
Taxi: show less than +/- 5° bank during turns
What are the minimum instruments and equipment for IFR flight?
GRAB CARDD
G: Generator or Alternator
R: Radio (two-way radio communication & navigation)
A: Altimeter (sensitive altimeter adjustable for barometric pressure)
B: Ball (Slip-and-Skid indicator)
C: Clock (hours, minutes, and seconds)
A: Attitude Indicator (gyroscopic pitch and bank)
R: Rate of Turn Indicator (gyroscopic turn coordinator)
D: Directional Gyro (gyroscopic heading indicator)
D: DME (if VOR is required and operating above FL240)