Straight and Level Flight - P-340

CHAPTER THREE CHG 2

T-34C INSTRUMENTS

Scan pattern summary:

Wing Attitude There is considerable delay in the turn needle. Center the aileron

inputs and let the turn needle settle down" when determining wing attitude.

Nose Attitude If a change in nose attitude instruments is evident, crosscheck the

performance instrument(s) and make appropriate attitude/power adjustments. Scan

additional instruments with peripheral vision as necessary.

Straight and Level Flight

The "attitude control" instruments for the nose are the VSI and altimeter. The

"attitude control" instruments for the wings are the turn needle and balance ball. The

airspeed indicator is the performance instrument. Use your peripheral vision to

simultaneously monitor the turn needle, VSI and altimeter for movements. The

magnetic compass is an additional instrument and will be used only during straight

and level, nonacceleration flight.

Corrections for altitude will be made with the same smooth control movements made

in full panel flight. For example, when the need for a nose attitude change becomes

evident from VSI and altimeter, note the amount of change needed. The

descent/climb must first be stopped by exerting light (fingertip) control movements,

stabilizing the VSI to zero. Any attempt to correct without first stabilizing will result

in pilotinduced oscillations of increasing amplitude; causing an outofcontrol

situation. The key to good partial panel flying is:

Intelligent control movements based on observed rates indicated by the

instruments.

ii.

Patience in returning to altitude and airspeed (remember, pressure instruments

lag).

iii.

Use of the peripheral scanning techniques.

iv.

Proper trim.

When correcting for nose attitude, attention must still be given to the turn

needle/balance ball so as not to compound the errors.

Corrections for the wing position will be made by exerting light, smooth pressure on

the stick to return the turn needle to the center. For example, while scanning the

instruments a slight turn is noticed by the turn needle moving away from center.

First, stop the movement by centering the turn needle. Remember, the turn needle

lags so control inputs must be smooth and light, not large and jerky. Once the turn

needle is centered, determine the number of degrees off heading from the magnetic

compass. Corrections to return to the desired heading for straight, constant heading

flight will be accomplished by using a timed turn.

3-40 BASIC INSTRUMENTS FLIGHT PROCEDURES