Flight Instruments PDF
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Uploaded by InstrumentalBlueLaceAgate
Don Honorio Ventura State University
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Summary
This document provides comprehensive information about flight instruments, categorizing them by function (pitot-static and gyroscopic). It details the operation, purpose, and practical application of each instrument type. The document is well-structured and includes diagrams.
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Flight Instruments Flight Instruments The 6 pack flight instruments are the first set of instruments student pilots are trained to familiarize themselves with. They include these aircraft instruments: 1. Airspeed Indicator (ASI) 2. Altimeter 3. Attitude Indicator (...
Flight Instruments Flight Instruments The 6 pack flight instruments are the first set of instruments student pilots are trained to familiarize themselves with. They include these aircraft instruments: 1. Airspeed Indicator (ASI) 2. Altimeter 3. Attitude Indicator (AI) 4. Heading Indicator (HI) 5. Turn Coordinator (TC) 6. Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) Flight instruments Flight Instruments ⚫ Pitot-static Instruments – these intruments get their data through relative air pressure readings that are then used to extrapolate metrics like altitude and speed. − Altimeter − Vertical Speed indicator − Airspeed indicator Flight Instruments ⚫ Gyroscopic Instruments - these instruments use spinning gyros and gimbals to register changes to aircraft headings and attitude. Gyroscopic flight instruments help pilots maintain their orientation to their surroundings. − Turn Coordinator − Attitude Indicator − Heading indicator Flight Instruments Pitot-static Instruments Flight Instruments Pitot-static Instruments − Altimeter ⚫ The altimeter indicates the altitude of the aircraft relative to the existing atmospheric pressure present outside. Because we know that at certain altitudes, a drop in pressure can be experienced, we can measure the pressure present in the atmosphere to give us a relatively accurate output on the altitude or height we are located at. Flight Instruments Pitot-static Instruments − Altimeter Flight Instruments Pitot-static Instruments − Altimeter ⚫ Due to changes in atmospheric pressure (e.g. low pressure areas present in the pacific during monsoon seasons), the altimeter needs to be calibrated using weather forecasts provided at stations located 100 nautical miles within your flightpath. Flight Instruments ⚫ Pitot-static instruments − Vertical Speed indicator Flight Instruments Pitot-static instruments − Vertical Speed indicator ⚫ The vsi measures the rate of ascent and descent of the aircraft. It uses the rate at which the bellow releases or takes in through a metered hole compared to the pressure outside. Flight Instruments Pitot-static Instruments − Airspeed Indicator ⚫ Measures the speed at which the aircraft is travelling. Can indicate the speed in knots (equivalent to 1 nautical mile per hour.) ⚫ Uses the pressure at the pitot tube. This pressure is generated by the speed the aircraft “catches” the air. Flight Instruments ⚫ Pitot-static instruments Flight Instruments Gyroscopic Instruments Flight Instruments Gyroscopic Instruments − Uses the natural ability of a gyroscope called ‘rigidity in space’, which Is a phenomenon wherein as long as the rotor of the gyroscope is spinning, it will try to maintain its relative position in space. Flight Instruments Gyroscopic Instruments Flight Instruments Gyroscopic Instruments − Because gyroscopic instruments maintain rigidity in space, they are prone to what is called drift, wherein they start becoming misaligned due to the natural rotation of the earth. This drift happens at around 15°/hour. Flight Instruments Gyroscopic Instruments − Turn Coordinator ⚫ The turn coordinator shows whenever the aircraft is experiencing a slip or a skid. When the black circle moves towards the right, this means that the pilot needs to add a right rudder pedal to coordinate the turn and vice versa. Flight Instruments Gyroscopic Instruments − Attitude Indicator ⚫ The attitude indicator shows the position of the aircraft around the roll and pitch axis. The indicator shows a blue section which denotes the sky and a brown section which denotes the ground. When an aircraft rolls towards the right, the brown segment will move towards the right of the indicator. Flight Instruments Gyroscopic Instruments − Attitude Indicator Flight Instruments Gyroscopic Instruments − Heading Indicator ⚫ Acts as a compass. The indicator has a graphic of an aircraft with the nose pointed in the direction of travel. Flight Instruments Flight Instruments The image before shows a PFD or a primary flight display which consolidates all the previously shown instruments into one easy to read display. These are used by modern aircrafts. Flight Instruments