Instrument pilot pt.2

Turn and Slip Indicator

• Prior to engine start, the turn indicator should show the needle centered, the tube full of fluid, and the ball approximately centered.
• During taxi turns, the needle deflects in the direction of the turn, and the ball moves freely opposite the turn due to centrifugal force.

Turn Indicator

• The miniature aircraft in the turn coordinator indicates the rate of roll and rate of turn.
• The angle of bank is only indirectly indicated.
• On taxi turns, the miniature aircraft indicates a turn in the direction of the taxing turn, and the ball moves to the outside of the turn due to centrifugal force.
• The turn indicator does not give a direct indication of the banked attitude of the airplane.
• A standard rate turn is indicated when the turn needle points to one of the small side marks, which corresponds to a rate of 3° per second.

Inclinometer (Turn Coordinator)

• The inclinometer consists of a sealed curved glass tube containing kerosene and a ball that is free to move inside the tube.
• The fluid provides a dampening action, ensuring smooth and easy movement of the ball.
• During a coordinated turn, the ball remains centered in the tube due to balanced turning forces.
• In a skid, the ball moves away from the center of the tube in the direction of excessive force.
• In a slip, the ball moves to the outside of the turn due to insufficient rudder input.

Correcting for Skid or Slip

• To correct for a skid, increase the bank angle, reduce the rate of turn, or use a combination of both to center the ball.
• To correct for a slip, apply rudder pressure on the side the ball is exposed to.

Glass Cockpits

• Glass cockpits integrate many flight instruments and aircraft performance data on one or more screens.
• They are designed to increase safety by enhancing situational awareness and presenting data in an easy-to-read format.
• Glass cockpits can display various flight status information, including altitude, airspeed, and navigation data.

Primary Flight Display (PFD)

• A PFD combines many flight instruments into a single presentation, including the altimeter, attitude indicator, and turn coordinator.
• A multi-functional display (MFD) is often used as a backup PFD and displays engine and power plant performance, fuel status, traffic, and other data.

Importance of Training and Instrumentation

• Pilots flying with advanced avionics must continually learn the systems' functions, capabilities, and limitations.
• All aircraft equipped with electric flight instruments must also contain a minimal set of backup conventional instruments, including an attitude indicator, airspeed indicator, and altimeter.
• Automation can make flying safer, but pilots must be aware of its limitations and potential for complacency.
• Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) is essential for safe flights with advanced technology.

Multi-Functional Display (MFD)

• Used as a backup Primary Flight Display (PFD)
• Monitors engine and power plant performance
• Displays fuel status
• Used for traffic monitoring
• Enables route selection
• Displays moving maps
• Shows approach charts
• Provides weather information
• Used for terrain avoidance