Instrument Scanning basic theory
- The basic performance formula for attitude instrument flying, as well as flying by visual outside reference is:
- Power + attitude = Performance.
Flight instruments are divided into the following three categories.
- Pitch Instruments:
- Attitude indicator (AI).
- Alitmeter (ALT).
- Airspeed indicator (ASI).
- Verical speed indicator (VSI).
- Bank instruments:
- Attitude indicator (AI).
- Heading indicator (HI).
- Turn coordinator (TC) or Turn and bank indicator.
- Magnetic compass.
- Power intruments:
- Manifold pressure gauge (MP).
- Tachometer (RPM).
- Airspeed indicator (ASI).
- ATTITUDE INDICATOR is the primary instrument to indicate aircraft attitude, it shows: Pitch and Bank attitude.
Instrument direct information Indirect information
Airspeed indicator Airspeed Pitch attitude.
Altimeter Altitude Pitch attitude.
Vertical speed Indicator climb/descent rate Pitch attitude.
Heading Indicator Heading Bank attitude.
Turn and slip coordinator Yaw, coordination Bank attitude.
Turn coordinator Yaw, roll, coordination Bank attitude.
Magnetic compass heading Bank attitude.