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IL.XIII.C.S1

Skill

Transition to the descent pitch attitude and power setting on an assigned heading using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated flight control application.

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Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

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From the FAA library

  • Chapter 8: Helicopter Attitude Instrument Flying › Turn Indicator › Power Control During Straight-and-Level Flight

    airspeed is changing, adjust the pitch attitude to maintain a constant altitude. A constant heading should be maintained throughout the change. As the desired airspeed is approached, adjust power to the new cruising power setting and further adjust pitch attitude ... maintain altitude. The instrument indications for straight-and-level flight at normal cruise and during the transition from normal cruise to slow cruise are illustrated in Figures 8-9 and 8-10. After the airspeed stabilizes at slow cruise…

  • Chapter 6, Section I: Airplane Attitude Instrument Flying › Learning Methods › Pitch Control

    example, an improperly set VSI may indicate a descent of 100 fpm when the aircraft is in level flight. Any deviation from this reading would indicate a change in pitch attitude. Airspeed Indicator The airspeed indicator gives an indirect reading ... pitch attitude. With a constant power setting and a constant altitude, the aircraft is in level flight and airspeed remains constant. If the airspeed increases, the pitch attitude has lowered and should be raised. [Figure 6-9] If the airspeed…

  • Chapter 8: Helicopter Attitude Instrument Flying › Straight Descents (Constant Airspeed and Constant Rate) › Entry

    Straight Descents (Constant Airspeed and Constant Rate) A descent may be performed at any normal airspeed the helicopter can attain, but the airspeed must be determined prior to entry. The technique is determined by the type of descent, a constant ... airspeed, or a constant rate. Entry If airspeed is higher than descending airspeed, and a constant airspeed descent is desired, reduce power to a descent power setting and maintain a constant altitude using cyclic pitch control. This slows the helicopter…

  • Chapter 7, Section I: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight Climbs and Descents › Entry

    Descents A descent can be made at a variety of airspeeds and attitudes by reducing power, adding drag, and lowering the nose to a predetermined attitude. The airspeed eventually stabilizes at a constant value. Meanwhile, the only flight instrument providing ... positive attitude reference is the attitude indicator. Without the attitude indicator (such as during a partial panel descent), the ASI, altimeter, and VSI show varying rates of change until the airplane decelerates to a constant airspeed at a constant attitude…

  • Chapter 8: Helicopter Attitude Instrument Flying › Straight-and-Level Flight › Airspeed Indicator

    minimized by first neutralizing the controls and allowing the pitch attitude to stabilize, then readjusting the pitch attitude by noting the indications of the other pitch instruments. Occasionally, the VSI may be slightly out of calibration. This could result ... instrument indicating a slight climb or descent even when the helicopter is in level flight. If the instrument cannot be calibrated properly, this error must be taken into consideration when using the VSI for pitch control. For example…

  • Chapter 7, Section I: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight-and-Level Flight › Airspeed Indicator (ASI)

    Airspeed Indicator (ASI) The ASI presents an indirect indication of the pitch attitude. In non-turbulent conditions with a constant power setting and pitch attitude, airspeed remains constant. [Figure 7-13] As the pitch attitude lowers, airspeed increases ... nose should be raised. [Figure 7-14] As the pitch attitude rises, airspeed decreases, and the nose should be lowered. [Figure 7-15] A rapid change in airspeed indicates a large pitch change, and a slow change of airspeed indicates…