Pilot Ground Knowledge - Instrument > Flight Instruments > Flashcards

Flight Instruments Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the primary function of flight instruments?

A

To provide pilots with information on aircraft attitude, altitude, airspeed, heading, and navigation, especially in instrument meteorological conditions.

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2
Q

What are the six basic flight instruments?

A

Airspeed indicator, attitude indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator (VSI), heading indicator, turn coordinator.

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3
Q

Which flight instrument is the primary reference for pitch control?

A

Attitude indicator.

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4
Q

Which instrument is the primary reference for bank control?

A

Attitude indicator.

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5
Q

What is the pitot-static system?

A

A system that provides airspeed, altimeter, and VSI information by measuring ram air pressure (pitot) and static air pressure.

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6
Q

How does the altimeter work?

A

Measures static pressure changes to indicate altitude above sea level.

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7
Q

What errors can affect an altimeter?

A

Instrument error, mechanical error, static source blockage, and pressure/temperature variations.

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8
Q

How is the vertical speed indicator (VSI) powered?

A

By measuring changes in static pressure over time to indicate the rate of climb or descent.

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9
Q

What is the main limitation of the VSI?

A

It may lag during rapid pitch or power changes, giving delayed indications.

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10
Q

How does the airspeed indicator (ASI) work?

A

Measures dynamic pressure from the pitot tube minus static pressure to indicate airspeed.

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11
Q

What types of airspeed are indicated on the ASI?

A

Indicated airspeed (IAS), calibrated airspeed (CAS), and true airspeed (TAS).

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12
Q

How does a blocked pitot tube affect the ASI?

A

If only the pitot is blocked, airspeed decreases to zero; if pitot and drain are blocked, the ASI behaves like an altimeter.

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13
Q

What is the function of the heading indicator (directional gyro)?

A

Provides stabilized heading information, independent of the magnetic compass, requiring periodic alignment.

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14
Q

What are errors associated with the magnetic compass?

A

Deviation, variation, oscillation, acceleration errors, northerly/southerly turning errors, and dip errors.

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15
Q

How does the turn coordinator function?

A

Indicates rate of turn and roll coordination using a gyroscopic mechanism and inclinometer.

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16
Q

What is the standard rate turn?

A

3° per second turn rate, completing a 360° turn in 2 minutes.

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17
Q

What is the function of the attitude indicator?

A

Displays aircraft pitch and bank relative to the horizon for primary attitude reference.

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18
Q

What happens to the attitude indicator during gyroscopic precession?

A

It may drift over time and requires occasional realignment.

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19
Q

How does a slaved heading indicator differ from a standard directional gyro?

A

Continuously corrects itself using a magnetic sensor to remain aligned with magnetic north.

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20
Q

What is the function of the altimeter setting (Kollsman window)?

A

Adjusts the altimeter to local barometric pressure to display accurate altitude above mean sea level.

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21
Q

How does an air data computer (ADC) integrate with flight instruments?

A

Provides processed airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, temperature, and sometimes angle-of-attack data to electronic displays.

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22
Q

What is the effect of static port blockage on instruments?

A

Altimeter freezes, VSI shows zero, and ASI becomes inaccurate due to trapped static pressure.

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23
Q

How does a vacuum-driven attitude indicator operate?

A

Uses a gyroscope powered by engine-driven or electric vacuum pumps to maintain stabilized horizon reference.

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24
Q

What is the function of an electric attitude indicator?

A

Provides attitude information using electrically powered gyros, often used as backup or in glass cockpit systems.

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25
What is instrument cross-check (scanning)?
A systematic method of monitoring flight instruments to maintain situational awareness and aircraft control.
26
What is the primary instrument for pitch control during straight-and-level IFR flight?
Attitude indicator.
27
What is the primary instrument for power/thrust control?
Airspeed indicator.
28
What is the primary instrument for bank control during straight-and-level IFR flight?
Attitude indicator.
29
What is the primary instrument for altitude control?
Altimeter.
30
What is the role of the inclinometer (ball) in IFR flight?
Shows lateral balance; used with the turn coordinator to maintain coordinated turns.
31
How do pilots recover from unusual attitudes using instruments?
Identify pitch and bank from the attitude indicator, reduce excessive airspeed or altitude deviations, level wings, and return to desired flight path.
32
What is the effect of vacuum failure on flight instruments?
Attitude and heading indicators may fail or drift, requiring cross-check with backup instruments.
33
How do airspeed, altitude, and VSI interact?
Changes in pitch, power, or configuration affect airspeed and climb/descent rate, which must be monitored in conjunction with altitude.
34
What is instrument lag?
Delay in instrument response due to system characteristics, especially VSI and older mechanical systems.
35
How does turbulence affect flight instrument reading?
Causes temporary fluctuations; pilots must rely on stable instruments and smooth control inputs.
36
What is the function of an attitude director indicator (ADI)?
Combines attitude information with guidance cues for pitch and roll corrections in glass cockpit or autopilot integration.
37
How is instrument redundancy provided in IFR flight?
Backup mechanical instruments, dual vacuum/electric systems, or electronic displays ensure continued reference in case of failure.
38
How does an altimeter react to changes in barometric pressure during IFR flight?
Altitude readings may be incorrect if the altimeter is not set to current local pressure; pilots must adjust Kollsman setting.
39
What is the difference between mechanical and electronic flight instruments?
Mechanical: rely on gyros or pressure systems. Electronic: use sensors and computers to provide digital or analog displays, often integrated into glass cockpits.
40
How are attitude, heading, and navigation instruments integrated in modern IFR aircraft?
Through the attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) and air data computers, providing centralized display and autopilot inputs.
41
How should a pilot handle conflicting instrument indications?
Identify reliable instruments using cross-check, trust primary instruments (attitude, airspeed, altimeter), and execute standard recovery procedures.
42
What is the significance of gyro rigidity in flight instruments?
Gyroscopes maintain orientation in space, allowing attitude and heading instruments to provide stable references.
43
What is precession in a gyroscopic instrument?
The tendency of a gyro to tilt or drift due to applied forces, requiring periodic adjustment or compensation.
44
How does a heading indicator drift?
Due to gyro precession and Earth rotation; pilots must realign periodically with the magnetic compass.
45
What is the effect of accelerated flight on the magnetic compass?
Compass shows a turn toward the north in the Northern Hemisphere during acceleration on an east or west heading (ANDS).
46
What is the effect of deceleration on the magnetic compass?
Compass shows a turn toward the south on east or west headings (ANDS: Accelerate North, Decelerate South).
47
What is a vacuum failure indicator?
An instrument or annunciator that alerts the pilot to loss of suction to vacuum-driven gyros.
48
How can pilots detect pitot-static system blockage in IFR flight?
Airspeed frozen at zero, altimeter freezing, VSI stuck at zero, or unexpected airspeed behavior.
49
What is the function of an integrated flight instrument system (glass cockpit)?
Combines attitude, airspeed, altitude, heading, and navigation data into a single display for improved situational awareness.
50
How is instrument failure handled under IFR?
Cross-check backup instruments, reference known reliable systems, declare an emergency if necessary, and follow instrument failure procedures.
51
What is the role of standby instruments?
Provide essential flight data (attitude, airspeed, altitude) in case of primary instrument failure, often mechanical and independent of electrical/vacuum systems.
52
How does a VSI lag affect climb and descent monitoring?
It may under- or over-indicate rate of climb/descent initially, so pilots confirm with attitude, airspeed, and altimeter.
53
What is the effect of turbulence on gyroscopic instruments?
Can cause temporary erratic indications, especially in older mechanical gyros; requires cross-checking with other instruments.
54
How does icing affect pitot-static instruments?
Ice can block pitot or static ports, causing inaccurate airspeed, altimeter, and VSI readings; pitot heat prevents this.
55
How does a pressure altimeter respond to temperature deviations?
Cold air causes the altimeter to read higher than true altitude; hot air causes a lower reading.
56
What is the importance of primary versus supporting instruments?
Primary instruments (attitude, airspeed, altimeter) are the main references; supporting instruments verify and cross-check flight status.
57
What is the function of a radar altimeter in IFR operations?
Provides precise altitude above terrain, useful in approach minimums and terrain avoidance.
58
How does the flight director assist in IFR flight?
Provides visual guidance cues on attitude indicator or ADI to follow a computed flight path.
59
What is the importance of cross-checking instruments during climbs or descents?
Confirms accurate performance data, detects failures, and maintains safe IFR control.
60
How does magnetic deviation affect the heading indicator?
Causes errors due to aircraft-specific magnetic fields; must be accounted for using a compass deviation card.
61
How does instrument failure influence missed approach execution?
Pilots must rely on backup instruments and cross-check systems to maintain course, altitude, and compliance with procedures.
62
What is the function of a rate-of-climb display in modern avionics?
Provides digital or graphical indication of vertical speed for precise altitude control during IFR climbs/descents.
63
How do GPS-derived air data systems affect flight instruments?
Can provide airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed data independent of pitot-static systems as a backup reference.
64
What is the purpose of an angle-of-attack (AOA) indicator in IFR?
Provides real-time information on wing lift efficiency, stall margin, and approach safety.
65
How does a turn coordinator differ from a turn-and-bank indicator?
Turn coordinator responds to roll and yaw; turn-and-bank only indicates rate of turn, with less immediate roll feedback.
66
How do electronic standby instruments improve IFR safety?
Provide independent, reliable readings in case of primary instrument failure, often with internal battery backup.
67
How is instrument cross-check applied during steep turns in IFR flight?
Use attitude indicator primarily, monitor airspeed and altimeter for deviations, and verify coordination with turn coordinator.
68
How can vacuum failure affect approaches?
Loss of attitude and heading gyro can compromise instrument approach execution; reliance on standby or electronic instruments is critical.
69
What is the effect of improper scanning on instrument approaches?
Missed altitudes, airspeed deviations, or improper bank/heading inputs, increasing the risk of CFIT or missed approach.
70
How do pilots confirm instrument reliability during IFR flight?
Cross-check multiple instruments, verify system indications, and compare with expected performance and navigation cues.
71
What is the significance of redundancy in IFR instrument systems?
Provides backup references, reduces risk of total instrument failure, and enhances safety during critical flight phases.
72
How does acceleration affect airspeed indication?
Airspeed indicator may temporarily over-read or under-read during rapid acceleration or deceleration due to pitot-static lag.
73
How do modern glass cockpits integrate flight instruments?
Combine attitude, heading, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, navigation, and autopilot cues on multifunction displays.
74
What is the procedure if all primary instruments fail during IFR flight?
Rely on backup or standby instruments, maintain controlled flight, declare emergency, and follow IFR lost-instrument procedures.
75
How does a magnetic compass behave during turns on headings other than north or south?
Minimal turning errors occur; north and south headings experience northerly/southerly turning errors.
76
How does instrument lag affect autopilot operation?
Autopilot may respond to delayed readings, causing overshoot or oscillations; monitoring cross-check is essential.
77
How is proper instrument scan maintained during IFR turbulence?
Smooth control inputs, prioritize primary instruments, and avoid fixation on single instruments.
78
How do pilots mitigate gyro instrument precession in IFR flight?
Periodically realign instruments, especially heading indicators, using reliable references like the magnetic compass.
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