Lesson 608

Basic Attitude Instrument (BAI)

Overview
This lesson will cover how to maneuver the aircraft solely referencing the flight
instruments using an instrument scan and the control-performance method.

Briefing
Flying with sole reference to the flight instruments may be necessary if the
outside horizon is obscured, at night, or after inadvertently flying into clouds or
bad weather. Proficient instrument flying is dependent on a good instrument
scan, being familiar with what pitch and power settings to use, and the four-step
control-performance method.

Instrument Scan
During instrument flight, the flight instruments must be constantly scanned to
detect and correct for any deviations in aircraft performance. Just like the
outside horizon is referenced 90% of the time during visual flight, the attitude
indicator is referenced 90% of the time during instrument flight. The remaining
flight instruments are cross-checked the other 10% of the time using the hub
and spoke method (Figure 608-1). With this scan, the attitude indicator is the
‘hub’ and each supporting flight instrument, or spoke, is checked individually as
necessary. Spokes not pictured include the tachometer and engine instruments.

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 Figure 608-1: Hub and Spoke Scan

Control-Performance Method
Under the control-performance method, aircraft attitudes and power settings are
used to obtain the desired flight performance. Some of the known attitudes and
power settings for specific flight performance are:

Flight Performance Attitude Power Setting

Straight and level, 80 knots 5o nose up 2,100 RPM
Straight and level, 90 knots 3o nose up 2,300 RPM
Straight and level, 100 knots 1o nose up 2,500 RPM
VY Climb 8-10o nose up MAXIMUM
As necessary
Standard Rate Turn ≈15o of bank
to maintain airspeed

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Rules of thumb can be applied to the above known flight settings to establish
specific climb rates, airspeeds, or other specific flight performances not listed
above. These rules of thumb describe how changes in power or pitch will affect
aircraft performance:

• +/-100 RPM change = +/-100 FPM or +/-5 knots

• +/-1o of pitch change = +/-133 FPM
• Bank angle for standard rate turn = 15% of TAS
• Lead level-offs by 10% of vertical speed
• Lead roll-outs by ½ the bank angle
Being familiar with what pitch and power settings to use is crucial for following
the four-step control-performance method. These four steps are performed
continuously, in order, throughout instrument flight:

1. Establish: Set the pitch and power for the desired aircraft performance.
2. Trim: Apply elevator trim as necessary for hands-free flight.
3. Cross-check: Reference the supporting flight instruments to determine if
the desired aircraft performance is being achieved and maintained.
4. Adjust: If any adjustments must be made or deviations corrected, apply
small control corrections to re-establish the desired flight performance.
This four-step process is to be repeated continuously during instrument flight.

On this flight, we will practice the fundamentals of flight with sole reference to
the flight instruments. Use the hub and spoke scan, rules of thumb, and control-
performance method to control the aircraft within PTS standards.

End of Briefing

Return to Lesson 608

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