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PI.VI.A.K2

Knowledge

The relationship of pitch, bank, power, and configuration in straight-and-level flight.

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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 7, Section II: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight-and-Level Flight › Airspeed Changes in Straight-and-Level Flight

    Airspeed Changes in Straight-and-Level Flight Practice of airspeed changes in straight-and-level flight provides an excellent means of developing increased proficiency in all three basic instrument skills and brings out some common errors to be expected during ... training in straight-and-level flight. Having learned to control the airplane in a clean configuration (minimum drag conditions), increase proficiency in cross-check and control by practicing speed changes while extending or retracting the flaps and landing gear. While…

  • Chapter 7, Section I: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight-and-Level Flight › Airspeed Changes in Straight-and-Level Flight

    Assuming smooth air and ideal control technique as airspeed decreases, a proportionate increase in airplane pitch attitude is required to maintain altitude. Similarly, effective torque control means counteracting yaw with rudder pressure. As the power is reduced, the altimeter ... primary for pitch, the heading indicator is primary for bank, and the manifold pressure gauge is momentarily primary for power (at 15 "Hg in this example). Control pressures should be trimmed off as the airplane decelerates. As the airspeed approaches…

  • Chapter 7, Section II: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight-and-Level Flight › Power Settings

    Power Settings Power control and airspeed changes are much easier when approximate power settings necessary to maintain various airspeeds in straight-and-level flight are known in advance. However, to change airspeed by any appreciable amount, the common procedure ... underpower or overpower on initial power changes to accelerate the rate of airspeed change. (For small speed changes, or in airplanes that decelerate or accelerate rapidly, overpowering or underpowering is not necessary.) Consider the example of an airplane that requires…

  • Chapter 3: Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight-and-Level Flight › Straight Flight

    Straight Flight Maintaining a constant direction or heading is accomplished by visually checking the relationship of the airplane’s wingtips to the natural horizon. Depending on whether the airplane is a high wing or low wing, both wingtips should ... level and equally above or below the natural horizon. Any necessary bank corrections are made with the pilot’s coordinated use of ailerons and rudder. [Figure 3-7] The pilot should understand that anytime the wings are banked, the airplane…