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IR.IV.B.S1

Skill

Use proper instrument cross-check and interpretation to identify an unusual attitude (including both nose-high and nose-low) in flight, and apply the appropriate flight control, power input, and aircraft configuration in the correct sequence, to return to a stabilized level flight attitude.

Study note

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 7, Section I: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Unusual Attitudes and Recoveries › Recovery from Unusual Attitudes

    Recognizing Unusual Attitudes As a general rule, any time an instrument rate of movement or indication other than those associated with the basic instrument flight maneuvers is noted, assume an unusual attitude and increase the speed of cross-check ... confirm the attitude, instrument error, or instrument malfunction. Nose-high attitudes are shown by the rate and direction of movement of the altimeter needle, vertical speed needle, and airspeed needle, as well as the immediately recognizable indication of the attitude…

  • Chapter 8: Helicopter Attitude Instrument Flying › Instrument Flight › Instrument Cross-Check

    Instrument Flight To achieve smooth, positive control of the helicopter during instrument flight, three fundamental skills must be developed. They are instrument cross-check, instrument interpretation, and aircraft control. Instrument Cross-Check Cross-checking, sometimes referred to as scanning ... continuous and logical observation of instruments for attitude and performance information. In attitude instrument flying, an attitude is maintained by reference to the instruments, which produces the desired result in performance. Due to human error, instrument error, and helicopter performance…

  • Chapter 6, Section I: Airplane Attitude Instrument Flying › Fundamental Skills › Instrument Cross-Check

    These are usually the instruments that should be held at a constant indication. The remaining instruments should help maintain the important instruments at the desired indications, which is also true in using the emergency panel. Cross-checking is mandatory ... instrument flying. In visual flight, a level attitude can be maintained by outside references. However, even then the altimeter must be checked to determine if altitude is being maintained. Due to human error, instrument error, and airplane performance differences…

  • Chapter 6, Section I: Airplane Attitude Instrument Flying

    Adjust the miniature aircraft with reference to the horizon bar for the particular airplane while on the ground. For some tricycle-gear airplanes, a slightly nose-low attitude on the ground gives a level flight attitude at normal cruising speed ... Engine Shut Down When shutting down the engine, note any abnormal instrument indications. Chapter 6, Section I: Airplane Attitude Instrument Flying Attitude instrument flying is defined as the control of an aircraft’s spatial position by using instruments rather than…

  • Chapter 6, Section I: Airplane Attitude Instrument Flying › Common Cross-Check Errors › Instrument Interpretation

    identical picture on the attitude indicator in a jet airplane. With the same airplane attitude as shown in the first example, the VSI in the jet reads 2,000 fpm and the airspeed indicator reads 250 knots. As the performance ... capabilities of the aircraft are learned, a pilot interprets the instrument indications appropriately in terms of the attitude of the aircraft. If the pitch attitude is to be determined, the airspeed indicator, altimeter, VSI, and attitude indicator provide the necessary…

  • Chapter 8: Helicopter Attitude Instrument Flying › Unusual Attitudes

    Unusual Attitudes Any maneuver not required for normal helicopter instrument flight is an unusual attitude and may be caused by any one or combination of factors, such as turbulence, disorientation, instrument failure, confusion, preoccupation with flight deck duties, carelessness ... cross-checking, errors in instrument interpretation, or lack of proficiency in aircraft control. Due to the instability characteristics of the helicopter, unusual attitudes can be extremely critical. As soon as an unusual attitude is detected, make a recovery to straight…