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Archive / FAA Instrument Flying Handbook / FAA Instrument Flying Handbook: Chapter 5 — Flight Instruments

Chapter 5 — Flight Instruments, Part 5

Chapter 5 — Flight Instruments — Part 5

FAA-H-8083-15B (2012)

MODE

MAP WPT AUX NRST

VOLTS 28.1

SATZ AMPS 0

RUDDER TRIM

L R

ELECTRICAL

61.9

10.0

27.4

NA V1 108.00 113.00

NA V2 108.00 110.60

134.000 118.000 COM1

123.800 118.000 COM2

WPT _ _ _ _ _ _ DIS _ _ . _ NM DTK _ _ _° TRK 360°

Figure 3-51. Aircrafts MFD when using TIS.

ALERTS

MAP - TRAFFIC MAP

TRAFFIC MODE

OPERA TE

FLAPS

ELEV

TRIM

UP

DN T A OFF SCALE

HDG UP

12NM

6NM

+05 +05

-03

Figure 5-53. Multi-function display (MFD).

Receiver-transmitter (RT)

Radar altimeter indicator

Figure 5-51. Components of a radar altimeter.

3,500'

3,500'

7 NM

Figure 5-52. Coverage provided by a traffic information system.

OFF

ALT

ON GND TST

SBY

FLT ID

CRSR FLT ID BRT

IDT

VFR

XPDR KT 73 TSD

Mode S Transponder

Mode S Sensor

Data link control display unit

Figure 3-52. Traffic information system concept.

Figure 5-54. Concept of the traffic information system.

Figure 3-51A. Theory of a typical alert system.Figure 5-55. Theory of a typical alert system.

Figure 5-56. A Skywatch System.Figure 3-51C. TAS600

SEL

MENU

RNG DATA BRT VIEW

NORM 2700 ft

1013mb

20 nm

+02

0.0

-05

Figure 5-57. Alert System by Avidyne (Ryan).

Figure 3-52. TCAS II

RNG 5 1

.5

.5 4

12 -05

Figure 5-58. An example of a resolution advisory being provided

to the pilot. In this case, the pilot is requested to climb, with 1,750

feet being the appropriate rate of ascent to avoid traffic conflict.

This visual indication plus the audio warning provide the pilot with

excellent traffic awareness that augments see-and-avoid practices.

TCAS II is a more sophisticated system which provides the

same information of TCAS I. It also analyzes the projected

flightpath of approaching aircraft and issues resolution

advisories to the pilot to resolve potential mid-air collisions.

Additionally, if communicating with another TCAS II

equipped aircraft, the two systems coordinate the resolution

alerts provided to their respective flight crews. [Figure 5-58]

Terrain Alerting Systems

Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS)

An early application of technology to reduce controlled

flight into terrain (CFIT) was the GPWS. In airline use

since the early 1970s, GPWS uses the radio altimeter, speed,

and barometric altitude to determine the aircraft’s position

relative to the ground. The system uses this information in

determining aircraft clearance above the Earth and provides

limited predictability about aircraft position relative to rising

terrain. It does this based upon algorithms within the system

and developed by the manufacturer for different airplanes or

helicopters. However, in mountainous areas the system is

unable to provide predictive information due to the unusual

slope encountered.

This inability to provide predictive information was evidenced

in 1999 when a DH-7 crashed in South America. The crew

had a GPWS onboard, but the sudden rise of the terrain

rendered it ineffective; the crew continued unintentionally

into a mountain with steep terrain. Another incident involved

Secretary of Commerce Brown who, along with all on board,

was lost when the crew flew over rapidly rising terrain where

the GPWS capability is offset by terrain gradient. However,

the GPWS is tied into and considers landing gear status, flap

position, and ILS glideslope deviation to detect unsafe aircraft

operation with respect to terrain, excessive descent rate,

excessive closure rate to terrain, unsafe terrain clearance while

not in a landing configuration, excessive deviation below an

ILS glideslope. It also provides advisory callouts.

Generally, the GPWS is tied into the hot bus bar of the electrical

system to prevent inadvertent switch off. This was demonstrated

in an accident involving a large four-engine turboprop airplane.

While on final for landing with the landing gear inadvertently

up, the crew failed to heed the GPWS warning as the aircraft

crossed a large berm close to the threshold. In fact, the crew

attempted without success to shut the system down and attributed

the signal to a malfunction. Only after the mishap did the crew

realize the importance of the GPWS warning.

Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS)

A TAWS uses GPS positioning and a database of terrain and

obstructions to provide true predictability of the upcoming

terrain and obstacles. The warnings it provides pilots are

both aural and visual, instructing the pilot to take specific

action. Because TAWS relies on GPS and a database of

terrain/obstacle information, predictability is based upon

aircraft location and projected location. The system is time

based and therefore compensates for the performance of the

aircraft and its speed. [Figure 5-59]

Head-Up Display (HUD)

The HUD is a display system that provides a projection of

navigation and air data (airspeed in relation to approach

reference speed, altitude, left/right and up/down glideslope)

on a transparent screen between the pilot and the windshield.

The concept of a HUD is to diminish the shift between

looking at the instrument panel and outside. Virtually any

Figure 5-59. A six-frame sequence illustrating the manner in which TAWS operates. A TAWS installation is aircraft specific and provides

warnings and cautions based upon time to potential impact with terrain rather than distance. The TAWS is illustrated in an upper left

window while aircrew view is provided out of the windscreen.

illustrates the aircraft in relation to the outside terrain while

and

illustrate the manner in which the TAWS system displays the terrain.

is providing a caution of terrain to be traversed, while

provides an illustration of a warning with an aural and textural advisory (red) to pull up.

also illustrates a pilot taking appropriate

action (climb in this case) while

illustrates that a hazard is no longer a factor.

Figure 5-60. A head-up display (HUD).

5 5

5 5

10 10

24 25 26 W

6 3

CRS

HDG

VOR2

- - . - NM

GSPD

59 KTS

VOR1

- - -

TRACK

29.89 IN

KDVT 25L

ON RWY 36L

Figure 3-54. A Head Up Display on a Gulfstream.

information desired can be displayed on the HUD if it is

available in the aircraft’s flight computer. The display for

the HUD can be projected on a separate panel near the

windscreen or as shown in Figure 5-60 on an eye piece. Other

information may be displayed, including a runway target in

relation to the nose of the aircraft, which allows the pilot to

see the information necessary to make the approach while

also being able to see out the windshield.

Required Navigation Instrument System

Inspection

Systems Preflight Procedures

Inspecting the instrument system requires a relatively small

part of the total time required for preflight activities, but its

importance cannot be overemphasized. Before any flight

involving aircraft control by instrument reference, the pilot

should check all instruments and their sources of power for

proper operation.

NOTE: The following procedures are appropriate for

conventional aircraft instrument systems. Aircraft equipped

with electronic instrument systems utilize different

procedures.

Before Engine Start

1. Walk-around inspection: Check the condition of all

antennas and check the pitot tube for the presence

of any obstructions and remove the cover. Check

the static ports to be sure they are free from dirt

and obstructions, and ensure there is nothing on the

structure near the ports that would disturb the air

flowing over them.

2. Aircraft records: Confirm that the altimeter and static

system have been checked and found within approved

limits within the past 24 calendar months. Check the

replacement date for the emergency locator transmitter

(ELT) batteries noted in the maintenance record, and

be sure they have been replaced within this time

interval.

3. Preflight paperwork: Check the Airport/Facility

Directory (A/FD) and all NOTAMs for the condition

and frequencies of all the navigation aid (NAVAIDs)

that are used on the flight. Handbooks, en route charts,

approach charts, computer and flight log should be

appropriate for the departure, en route, destination,

and alternate airports.

4. Radio equipment: Switches OFF.

5. Suction gauge: Proper markings as applicable if

electronic flight instrumentation is installed.

6. ASI: Proper reading, as applicable. If electronic

flight instrumentation is installed, check emergency

instrument.

7. Attitude indicator: Uncaged, if applicable. If electronic

flight instrumentation is installed, check emergency

system to include its battery as appropriate.

8. Altimeter: Set the current altimeter setting and ensure

that the pointers indicate the elevation of the airport.

9. VSI: Zero indication, as applicable (if electronic flight

instrumentation is installed).

10. Heading indicator: Uncaged, if applicable.

11. Turn coordinator: If applicable, miniature aircraft

level, ball approximately centered (level terrain).

12. Magnetic compass: Full of fluid and the correction

card is in place and current.

13. Clock: Set to the correct time and running.

14. Engine instruments: Proper markings and readings,

as applicable if electronic flight instrumentation is

installed.

15. Deicing and anti-icing equipment: Check availability

and fluid quantity.

16. Alternate static-source valve: Be sure it can be opened

if needed, and that it is fully closed.

17. Pitot tube heater: Check by watching the ammeter

when it is turned on, or by using the method specified

in the POH/AFM.

After Engine Start

1. When the master switch is turned on, listen to the

gyros as they spin up. Any hesitation or unusual noises

should be investigated before flight.

2. Suction gauge or electrical indicators: Check the

source of power for the gyro instruments. The suction

developed should be appropriate for the instruments

in that particular aircraft. If the gyros are electrically

driven, check the generators and inverters for proper

operation.

3. Magnetic compass: Check the card for freedom of

movement and confirm the bowl is full of fluid.

Determine compass accuracy by comparing the

indicated heading against a known heading (runway

heading) while the airplane is stopped or taxiing

straight. Remote indicating compasses should also be

checked against known headings. Note the compass

card correction for the takeoff runway heading.

4. Heading indicator: Allow 5 minutes after starting

engines for the gyro to spin up. Before taxiing, or

while taxiing straight, set the heading indicator to

correspond with the magnetic compass heading. A

slaved gyrocompass should be checked for slaving

action and its indications compared with those of the

magnetic compass. If an electronic flight instrument

system is installed, consult the flight manual for proper

procedures.

5. Attitude indicator: Allow the same time as noted

above for gyros to spin up. If the horizon bar erects

to the horizontal position and remains at the correct

position for the attitude of the airplane, or if it begins

to vibrate after this attitude is reached and then slowly

stops vibrating altogether, the instrument is operating

properly. If an electronic flight instrument system

is installed, consult the flight manual for proper

procedures.

6. Altimeter: With the altimeter set to the current reported

altimeter setting, note any variation between the

known field elevation and the altimeter indication. If

the indication is not within 75 feet of field elevation,

the accuracy of the altimeter is questionable and

the problem should be referred to a repair station

for evaluation and possible correction. Because the

elevation of the ramp or hangar area might differ

significantly from field elevation, recheck when in

the run-up area if the error exceeds 75 feet. When

no altimeter setting is available, set the altimeter

to the published field elevation during the preflight

instrument check.

7. VSI: The instrument should read zero. If it does not,

tap the panel gently. If an electronic flight instrument

system is installed, consult the flight manual for proper

procedures.

8. Engine instruments: Check for proper readings.

9. Radio equipment: Check for proper operation and set

as desired.

10. Deicing and anti-icing equipment: Check operation.

Taxiing and Takeoff

Ensuring the functionality of the turn coordinator, heading

indicator, magnetic compass, and attitude indicator prior

to taxiing and takeoff is essential to flight safety. Runway

incursion is an incident at an airport that adversely affects

runway safety and pilots must mitigate this risk by ensuring

that all of the directional flight instruments are checked

properly before taxiing or taking off so that the position

of the aircraft in relation to the runway and other traffic is

always known.

1. Turn coordinator: During taxi turns, check the

miniature aircraft for proper turn indications. The ball

or slip/skid should move freely. The ball or slip/skid

indicator should move opposite to the direction of

turns. The turn instrument should indicate the direction

of the turn. While taxiing straight, the miniature

aircraft (as appropriate) should be level.

2. Heading indicator: Before takeoff, recheck the heading

indicator. If the magnetic compass and deviation card

are accurate, the heading indicator should show the

known taxiway or runway direction when the airplane

is aligned with them (within 5°).

3. Attitude indicator: If the horizon bar fails to remain

in the horizontal position during straight taxiing, or

tips in excess of 5° during taxi turns, the instrument is

unreliable. Adjust the miniature aircraft with reference

to the horizon bar for the particular airplane while on

the ground. For some tricycle-gear airplanes, a slightly

nose-low attitude on the ground gives a level flight

attitude at normal cruising speed.

Engine Shut Down

When shutting down the engine, note any abnormal

instrument indications.

Original source PDFPublished from pages 127–133 of the recorded source chapter.
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