60 to 1 Rule in Vertical Plane

APPENDIX C

T-34C INSTRUMENTS

C103. 60TO1 RULE IN VERTICAL PLANE

The 60to1 rule is a technique used to determine predictable results of changes in aircraft pitch

and is applicable to all aircraft. Use of this rule and the information it provides reduces pilot

workload and increases instrument proficiency by eliminating unnecessary changes in aircraft

attitude. A thorough understanding of the 60to1 rule requires a review of four fundamental

assumptions:

Use TAS expressed in nautical miles per minute (NM/min) to establish the relationship

with pitch attitude. To simplify computations, IAS may be used in place of TAS and as an

approximation of groundspeed.

Example: 120 knots = 2 NM/min

If a pilot applies and maintains a 1 change in pitch, the aircraft will make a 1 change in

vertical flight path.

Similar to the discussion on radial spacing given in paragraph C101, 1 change in the

vertical plane equals 1 NM at a distance of 60 NM from the apex (see Figure C1).

One nautical mile approximates 6000 feet: 1 NM = 6000 feet. A visual presentation of

the 60to1 rule in the vertical plane is depicted in Figure C2:.

Figure C-2 Vertical Plane

Clearly, there is a constant relationship between the height of the 1 ray in feet and the distance from

the apex in nautical miles. Notice the height of the 1 ray is 100 feet at 1 NM. This relationship (1

= 100 feet at 1 NM) is the heart of the 60to1 rule in the vertical plane and is mathematically

constant based on our four assumptions. Therefore, if the distance from the apex (NM) or the angle

(degrees) is changed, the altitude (feet) will be changed a proportionate amount.

C-2 ADVANCED INSTRUMENT CONCEPTS