Aircraft Instruments: Pressure Systems Overview

Variation is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north, while deviation is the difference between the indicated magnetic heading and the actual heading due to other magnetic fields.

Magnetic dip refers to the tendency of the compass needle to point downward toward the magnetic pole, which causes significant errors especially near the poles.

In the northern hemisphere, acceleration shows a turn to the north while deceleration shows a turn to the south, particularly pronounced on east and west headings.

<p>'UNOS' stands for 'undershoot north, overshoot south', indicating that the compass will lag or lead during turns when heading north or south.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The tachometer measures engine RPM while the oil temperature gauge indicates the temperature of the engine oil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The primary purpose of the Turn Coordinator is to indicate the rate and quality of a turn and to serve as an emergency source of bank information if the Attitude Indicator fails.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A skid occurs when the rate of turn is too great for the angle of bank, causing the ball to be outside the turn, while a slip happens when the rate of turn is too slow for the angle of bank, with the ball inside the turn.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Heading Indicator should be aligned with the magnetic compass every 15 minutes due to precession, which can affect its accuracy over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The magnetic compass is the only direction-seeking instrument in the airplane, used primarily to set the Heading Indicator and verify its accuracy during flight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Turn Coordinator consists of a miniature airplane and an inclinometer (ball), which together allow pilots to assess turn rates and adjust their control inputs accordingly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Impact/ram air pressure and static pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The normal operating range.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is Indicated Airspeed (IAS) corrected for installation and instrument errors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To prevent ice formation on the pitot tube.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>V<del>SO</del> is the stalling speed in the landing configuration with flaps and gear down.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It indicates the caution range for airspeed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>TAS is airspeed corrected for non-standard pressure and temperature conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The red line indicates the never-exceed speed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maneuvering speed (V<del>A</del>) is the maximum speed at which abrupt control movements can be made without risking structural damage to the aircraft. It is significant as it provides a safe operational limit during turbulence or evasive maneuvers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An altimeter measures altitude by sensing changes in atmospheric pressure and displays it in feet. It indicates the vertical elevation of the aircraft above a given reference point.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Indicated altitude is the altitude read directly from the altimeter, while true altitude is the actual height above mean sea level. True altitude accounts for variations in atmospheric pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The VSI experiences a lag of 6-9 seconds, making it ineffective for accurately displaying the rate of climb or descent in turbulent conditions. This delay can lead to incorrect readings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The key characteristics are rigidity in space, which allows the spinning wheel to maintain its orientation, and precession, where the gyro responds to applied forces at a 90-degree angle. These properties are essential for stability and navigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The vacuum system creates a partial vacuum to supply rapid air that spins the gyros, enabling accurate readings. It is powered either by the engine or electrically.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The attitude indicator displays the aircraft's actual attitude relative to the earth's horizon, indicating whether the wings are level or the aircraft is climbing or descending. It is crucial for maintaining proper flight orientation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>If the static port is blocked, the altimeter will freeze at its last indication and cannot display changes in altitude, while the VSI will read zero. This can lead to dangerous situations if not recognized.</p> Signup and view all the answers