Questions and Answers
What instruments contain gyroscopes? (Select all that apply)
What are the two fundamental properties of a gyroscope?
Rigidity in space and precession
What are the various power sources that may be used to power the gyroscopic instruments in an airplane?
Vacuum or pressure systems and electrical systems
How does the vacuum system operate?
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How does the attitude indicator work?
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What are the limitations of an attitude indicator?
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What are the errors of the attitude indicator?
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How does the heading indicator operate?
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What are the limitations of the heading indicator?
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What error is the heading indicator subject to?
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How does the turn coordinator operate?
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What information does the turn coordinator provide?
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What will the turn indicator indicate when the aircraft is in a 'skidding' or a 'slipping' turn?
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Study Notes
Gyroscopic Flight Instruments
- Gyroscopic instruments in aviation include the Turn Coordinator, Heading Indicator, and Attitude Indicator.
Properties of a Gyroscope
- Rigidity in Space: A spinning gyroscope maintains its fixed orientation.
- Precession: The response movement of a gyroscope occurs 90 degrees later in the direction of rotation when a deflective force is applied.
Power Sources for Gyroscopic Instruments
- Heading and Attitude Indicators typically utilize vacuum or pressure systems.
- The Turn Coordinator is powered by the electrical system.
- Dual power sources enhance reliability in case of failure.
Operation of the Vacuum System
- An engine-driven vacuum pump creates suction, pulling air from the instrument case.
- Normal pressure directs against rotor vanes, spinning the gyro at high speed.
- Air enters through a filter and is vented outside, maintaining vacuum values usually around 5.5 in. Hg.
Functioning of the Attitude Indicator
- The gyro is mounted horizontally, relying on rigidity in space for accurate readings.
- A horizon bar attached to the gyro indicates the aircraft's attitude relative to the true horizon.
Limitations of the Attitude Indicator
- Pitch limits generally range from 60 to 70 degrees.
- Bank limits usually extend from 100 to 110 degrees.
- Exceeding these limits may cause the indicator to tumble, leading to incorrect readings.
Errors of the Attitude Indicator
- Minor inherent errors correct themselves within a minute after stabilization in level flight.
Operation of the Heading Indicator
- Functions on the principle of rigidity in space with a vertical rotor.
- The compass card is fixed to the rotor ensuring consistent directional information as the aircraft moves.
Limitations of the Heading Indicator
- Operates correctly within about 55 degrees of pitch and bank.
- Exceeding this limit results in tumbling of the instrument.
Error in the Heading Indicator
- Subject to precession-induced drift due to friction, accruing approximately 15 degrees of error per hour of operation.
Operation of the Turn Coordinator
- Indicates direction and rate of turn using precession; the gyro responds to forces, moving the needle in proportion to the turn rate.
- The slip/skid indicator utilizes a liquid-filled tube with a ball reacting to centrifugal force and gravity.
Information Provided by the Turn Coordinator
- Displays aircraft yaw and roll around vertical and longitudinal axes.
- The miniature airplane indicator shows turn direction and rate, with alignment indicating a standard rate of turn.
- The inclinometer provides coordination status of aileron and rudder, indicating potential slip or skid through ball position.
Indicators of Skidding or Slipping Turns
- Slip: Ball on the inside, indicating insufficient turn rate for the bank angle.
- Skid: Ball on the outside, suggesting excessive turn rate for the given bank angle.
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Description
Explore the essential gyroscopic flight instruments used in aviation with this quiz. Learn about their properties and functionalities including the Turn Coordinator, Heading Indicator, and Attitude Indicator. Test your understanding of gyroscopic principles and their importance in flight.
