12 Questions
Which of the following is NOT a gyroscopic instrument used in aircraft?
Altimeter
What principle(s) allow gyroscopes to maintain their position and respond to forces differently?
Both rigidity in space and precession
What is the primary function of the attitude indicator?
To inform pitch and bank using an artificial horizon
How often does the heading indicator need to be realigned?
Every flight
What action should a pilot take to fix a slip or skid condition indicated by the turn coordinator?
Step on the rudder pedal corresponding to the direction the ball is deflected
What does the ball on the turn coordinator indicate?
Coordination of the turn
What is the primary power source for the attitude indicator?
Air suction
What is the purpose of the miniature airplane display on the attitude indicator?
To display the aircraft's pitch and bank angle
What is the primary function of the heading indicator?
To display the aircraft's current heading in 360-degree increments
What is the main cause of drift in the heading indicator?
Friction and precession within the gyroscope
What information does the turn coordinator provide to the pilot?
The rate and quality of turns, and the coordination of the aircraft
How does the turn coordinator help pilots correct a slip or skid condition?
By providing a visual reference for the pilot to step on the corresponding rudder pedal
Study Notes
- Gyroscopic instruments used in aircraft include the attitude indicator, heading indicator, and turn coordinator, all relying on gyros to function.
- Gyroscopes operate based on rigidity in space and precession principles, allowing them to maintain position and respond to forces differently.
- Gyroscopic instruments can be powered by either air suction or electricity, with different sources for safety redundancy in case of failure.
- The attitude indicator informs pitch and bank using an artificial horizon and miniature airplane, useful when the natural horizon is not visible.
- The heading indicator displays aircraft heading in 5-degree increments based on a 360-degree azimuth, requiring realignment at the start of each flight.
- The turn coordinator supports banking by indicating turn rates and quality, with a miniature airplane showing the rate of turn and a ball indicating coordination.
- To fix slip or skid conditions on the turn coordinator, pilots need to step on the rudder pedal corresponding to the direction the ball is deflected.
- The turn coordinator is typically powered by electricity, with a visible red flag indicating a power failure, and it can measure the rate of roll in addition to turn coordination.
Test your knowledge on gyroscopic instruments used in aircraft, including the attitude indicator, heading indicator, and turn coordinator. Learn about the principles of operation, power sources, and functions of each instrument in maintaining aircraft orientation and stability.
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