Safety/Emergency Procedures
Instrument Flight
PITOT STATIC MALFUNCTIONS
If the entire pitot static system fails, you will lose the Mach/airspeed indicator, barometric altimeter, and
VSI in both cockpits. Verify the failure of any pitot static instrument by cross-checking indications with the
other cockpit, if possible.
You can compensate for the loss of the airspeed indicator by flying the equivalent angle of attack for
climb, cruise, descent, and landing.
You have two ways to make up for the loss of the barometric altimeter. First, you can use the radar
altimeter for height above ground up to 5,000 ft AGL. Second, you can use the cabin pressure altimeter
for altitude information up to 25,000 ft MSL if the cockpit has been depressurized. Remember that the
cabin pressure altimeter does not compensate for local barometric pressure and should only be
considered accurate to +/- 500 ft.
To compensate for the loss of the VSI, use the clock to time the amount of altitude change occurring over
a specific period of time. For example, if you were to descend 200 ft in 15 seconds, your rate of descent
would be 800 ft per minute.
The procedure for dealing with a pitot static system failure is:
1.
Check that PITOT HEAT is ON.
2.
Compare instruments in both cockpits. Use AOA, the radar altimeter, and/or cabin pressure
altimeter to calculate the approximate airspeed and altitude.
3.
Report the failure to ATC.
4.
Maneuver to exit icing conditions (if applicable).
5.
Remain VMC, if possible.
6.
Join with wingman if possible.
MACH/AIRSPEED INDICATOR FAILURE
An airspeed indicator failure, by itself, requires only that you fly AOA rather than airspeed. Consult
NATOPS for equivalent AOA for the T-45A in various flight conditions.
The procedure for dealing with a Mach/airspeed indicator failure is:
1.
Check that PITOT HEAT is ON.
2.
Report the failure to ATC.
3.
Fly AOA in place of airspeed.
4.
Watch for indications of pitot static system problems.
5.
Land as soon as practicable.
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