Chapter Three Fundamental Concepts

CHAPTER THREE

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS

300.

INTRODUCTION

This chapter explains the fundamentals of flying. As in any learning process, fundamentals must

be mastered before the more advanced phases can be learned.

All controlled flight consists of one or a combination of straight-and-level, turning, climbing, or

descending flight. Vital to building basic flight fundamentals, proper attitude control is the result

of knowing what sight picture is required and smoothly utilizing the flight controls to put the

aircraft where it needs to be. When flying by outside reference (i.e. the horizon), your control

applications are accomplished by observing the relationship of some portion of the aircraft

(normally the nose section) to the horizon. It is imperative you utilize the same seat position on

each flight so that yourr references remain the same. As your flight skills develop, you will

acquire a continuous awareness of proper flying attitudes without conscious effort.

In introducing the basic flight maneuvers, the integrated flight instruction method will be used.

This means performing each flight maneuver by using both outside visual references and the

flight instruments. When using this composite technique, you will achieve a more precise and

competent overall piloting ability, properly maintaining desired altitudes, airspeeds, and

headings.

301.

ATTITUDE FLYING

Aircraft control is composed of four components:

Pitch Control: Control of the aircraft about its lateral axis by applying elevator pressure to

raise or lower the nose, usually in relation to the horizon.

Bank Control: Control of the aircraft about its longitudinal axis by use of ailerons to attain

desired angle of bank (AOB) in relation to the horizon.

Yaw Control: Control of the aircraft about its vertical axis by use of rudder.

Power Control: Control of power or thrust by use of the PCL to establish or maintain

desired airspeeds in coordination with attitude changes.

The electronic attitude director indicator (EADI), electronic horizontal situation indicator (EHSI),

altimeter, vertical speed indicator (VSI), turn and slip indicator, and airspeed indicator, are the

instruments used as references to control the aircraft. The EADI displays both the pitch and bank

attitude of the aircraft while the EHSI shows the aircraft's direction of flight. The altimeter

indicates the aircraft's altitude and, indirectly, the need for a pitch change. The vertical speed

indicator shows the rate of climb or descent. The airspeed indicator shows the results of power

and/or pitch changes by the aircraft's speed. The outside visual references used to control the

aircraft include, but are not limited to, the nose cowling and the wingtips which help set and

maintain pitch attitude, flight direction, and AOB.

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS

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