Straight and Level Flight - P-330

T-34C CONTACT

CHAPTER SIX

608.

STRAIGHT AND LEVEL FLIGHT

Description. Maintain a constant altitude, airspeed and heading using the horizon as the

primary reference.

General. Straight and level flight is a balanced flight condition while maintaining a

constant heading and altitude. It is flown at a constant airspeed, most commonly at normal

cruise. Keeping the aircraft in straight and level flight will be a matter of maintaining a good

scan, quick interpretation of errors, and constant control adjustments.

A scan pattern is a systematic and thorough procedure for both controlling your own aircraft and

seeing and avoiding other aircraft. Your scan pattern will involve dividing your attention

between the outside environment and the cockpit instruments. Though experienced pilots may

utilize scan patterns that vary immensely, you should learn and practice the integrated scan

pattern discussed in paragraph 406. With experience, you may vary this scan to fit your needs

and ability.

The pitch attitude for level flight (constant altitude) is usually obtained by selecting some portion

of the airplane's nose as a reference point, then keeping that point in a fixed position relative to

the horizon. In the T-34C, the horizon should intercept the canopy approximately one-half the

way up the windscreen for normal cruise. That position should be cross-checked against the

altimeter to determine whether or not the pitch attitude is correct. If altitude is being gained or

lost, the pitch attitude should be readjusted in relation to the horizon and then the altimeter

rechecked to determine if altitude is being maintained. The application of forward or back

pressure on the stick is used to control this attitude (Figure 61).

Pitch information obtained from the attitude indicator also will show the position of the nose

relative to the horizon and will indicate whether or not elevator pressure is necessary to change

the pitch attitude to return to level flight.

To achieve straight flight (constant heading)

VISUAL: The pilot selects two or more outside visual reference points directly

ahead of the airplane (such as fields, towns, lakes, or distant clouds, to form

points along an imaginary line) and keeps the airplane's nose headed along that

line. Roads and section lines on the ground also offer excellent references. A

straight flight can be maintained by flying parallel or perpendicular to them.

Straight flight (constant wings level attitude) may also be accomplished by

visually checking the relationship of the airplane's wingtips with the horizon.

Both wingtips should be equidistant below the horizon, and any necessary

adjustments should be made with the ailerons, noting the relationship of control

pressure and the airplane's attitude.

ii.

INSTRUMENT: An occasional check of the heading indicator should be made

to determine that the airplane is actually maintaining flight in a constant

direction.

FLIGHT PROCEDURES 6-9