The primary rule of attitude flying is to consistently reference the natural horizon and cross-check it with flight instruments to ensure the pitch attitude is correct. This fundamental principle guides pilots in maintaining precise aircraft control by blending outside visual cues with critical instrument indications.
Understanding Attitude Flying
Attitude flying, often referred to as instrument flying without actually being "on instruments," is a core skill in aviation. It involves controlling the aircraft by establishing and maintaining specific pitch and bank attitudes. While visual cues like the natural horizon are paramount, instruments serve as vital corroborating evidence, especially when outside visibility is limited or to confirm the accuracy of visual estimations.
The Role of the Natural Horizon
The natural horizon is the most basic and intuitive reference for a pilot. It represents the line where the earth meets the sky and is fundamental for establishing the aircraft's pitch and bank.
- Pitch Attitude: The relative position of the aircraft's nose to the horizon indicates whether the aircraft is climbing, descending, or in level flight.
- Bank Angle: The relationship of the wings to the horizon indicates the degree of turn.
Pilots learn to associate specific visual pictures with desired flight attitudes. For instance, a certain amount of sky above the nose and a certain amount of ground below might correspond to level flight at a particular airspeed.
The Importance of Instrument Cross-Check
While the natural horizon provides the primary visual reference, its accuracy can be affected by various factors such as:
- Haze or low visibility: Obscuring the horizon.
- Night flying: Lack of a clear visual horizon.
- Illusions: Sloping terrain or cloud formations mimicking a false horizon.
- Pilot fatigue or disorientation: Leading to misinterpretation of visual cues.
This is where the second part of the primary rule becomes critical: cross-checking with flight instruments. Instruments like the attitude indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, and airspeed indicator provide objective, quantitative data on the aircraft's performance and attitude.
Key Instruments for Attitude Cross-Check:
| Instrument | Primary Indication | Cross-Check for |
|---|---|---|
| Attitude Indicator | Aircraft's pitch and bank | Direct confirmation of visual attitude |
| Altimeter | Altitude | Confirmation of level flight/climb/descent |
| Vertical Speed Indicator | Rate of climb/descent | Rate of altitude change |
| Airspeed Indicator | Airspeed | Confirmation of power setting and pitch |
Pilots constantly scan these instruments, comparing their readings to the visual picture of the natural horizon. If the altimeter shows a climb while the visual horizon suggests level flight, the instruments serve as the more reliable source for correcting the pitch.
Practical Application
Pilots are trained to develop a systematic scanning technique, moving their eyes smoothly between outside references and internal instruments. This constant cross-referencing allows for immediate detection and correction of deviations from the desired flight path.
- Establishing an Attitude: A pilot might first establish a specific attitude visually (e.g., nose slightly above the horizon for a climb).
- Trimming the Aircraft: Once the desired attitude is established, the aircraft is trimmed to maintain it, reducing the pilot's workload.
- Monitoring and Adjusting: Continuous cross-checking ensures the attitude is held, and minor corrections are made using the flight controls as needed. For more details on pilot training and techniques, resources like the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook offer comprehensive guidance.
By integrating both visual and instrument references, pilots maintain precise control, ensure safety, and achieve efficient flight performance in varying conditions.
