Enroute Descent - P-340

CHAPTER THREE CHG 2

T-34C INSTRUMENTS

Common Errors (Applicable to straight and level also.)

Over controlling the nosethe tendency is to note a climb (or descent) on the

altimeter and VSI and slowly displace the stick until the pressure instrument

reacts in the opposite direction. Equate the rate of on the VSI to amount of stick

movement; move the stick a specific amount and then have the patience to allow

the instruments to react.

ii.

Not referencing the turn needle during nose corrections.

iii.

Not anticipating the "lag" in the turn needle.

Enroute Descent

The partial panel enroute descent is a cruise descent using 500 ftlbs while

maintaining constant airspeed and wings level. The attitude control instruments are

turn needle and balance ball for the wing, and the airspeed for the nose.

Remember that the absence of the basic attitude instrument (gyro) makes it

considerably more difficult to determine the attitude corrections necessary.

Extremely light, smooth control pressures must be exerted and perfect trim is

required. You will have to "feel" the amount of nose attitude change.

Again, we will use the "feel" developed in full panel. For a descent, perform P.A.T.,

reduce power to 500 ftlbs torque and lower the nose by releasing back pressure on

the control stick. Reduce control pressures with trim tabs as necessary to maintain

150 knots, wings level. While performing P.A.T., scan the turn needle to confirm that

the wings remain level during the transition.

Add power to approximately 650700 ftlbs torque when 100 feet above level off

altitude and smoothly raise the nose by applying slight back pressure on the stick.

Reduce control pressures with trim tabs as necessary to maintain normal cruise.

Scan

Wing Attitude

Turn needle/ball

Nose Attitude

Airspeed

Performance

Altimeter/VSI

Additional

Torque

Common Errors

Improper P.A.T. principle usage.

ii.

Not "moving" the stick to a position and stopping it, but instead moving the

controls until the instruments react.

3-42 BASIC INSTRUMENTS FLIGHT PROCEDURES