PA.VIII.B.K1a
KnowledgeFlight instruments as they relate to:
Instrument limitations and potential errors
From the FAA library
- Chapter 8: Flight Instruments › Instrument Check › Airspeed Indicator (ASI)
multiple types of airspeeds. Pilots need to be very familiar with each type. • Indicated airspeed (IAS)—the direct instrument reading obtained from the ASI, uncorrected for variations in atmospheric density, installation error, or instrument error. Manufacturers use this airspeed ... normally vary with altitude or temperature. Figure 8-7. Airspeed indicator (ASI). Calibrated airspeed (CAS)—IAS corrected for installation error and instrument error. Although manufacturers attempt to keep airspeed errors to a minimum, it is not possible to eliminate…
- Chapter 6, Section II: Airplane Attitude Instrument Flying › Common Errors › Fixation
Common Errors Fixation Fixation, or staring at one instrument, is a common error observed in pilots first learning to utilize trend indicators. The pilot may initially fixate on the trend indicator and make adjustments with reference to that alone. Trend ... pilot in maintaining the desired power or attitude; they should be used in conjunction with the primary and supporting instruments in order to better manage the flight. With the introduction of airspeed tapes, the pilot can monitor airspeed to within…
- Chapter 4: Energy Management: Mastering Altitude and Airspeed Control › Review of Terms and Definitions › Energy Distribution Error
Energy Error An altitude and/or airspeed deviation from an intended target expressed in terms of energy. Depending on the airplane’s total amount of energy and its distribution between altitude and airspeed, energy errors are classified as total energy errors ... energy distribution errors, or a combination of both errors. Total Energy Error An energy error where the total amount of mechanical energy is not correct. The airplane has too much or too little total energy relative to the intended altitude…
- Chapter 5: Flight Instruments › Dynamic Pressure Type Instruments › Types of Airspeed
equivalent airspeed (EAS), and true airspeed (TAS). Indicated Airspeed (IAS) IAS is shown on the dial of the instrument, uncorrected for instrument or system errors. Calibrated Airspeed (CAS) CAS is the speed at which the aircraft is moving through ... which is found by correcting IAS for instrument and position errors. The POH/AFM has a chart or graph to correct IAS for these errors and provide the correct CAS for the various flap and landing gear configurations. Equivalent Airspeed…
- 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 8: Helicopter Attitude Instrument Flying › Instrument Takeoff
collective pitch control to minimize overcontrolling and to prevent creeping. Excessive friction should be avoided since it limits collective pitch movement. After checking all instruments for proper indications, start the takeoff by applying collective pitch and a predetermined power setting ... helicopter, as read on the attitude indicator, should be one- to two-bar widths low. The primary and supporting instruments after becoming airborne are illustrated in Figure 8-16. As the airspeed increases to the appropriate climb airspeed, adjust pitch…