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Basic Attitude Flying

Straight and Level Flight​

  • If needed, cover all primary instruments except the VSI
  • Establish S&L flight and have the student note the position of the cowling vs the horizon
  • Nose up to a VY pitch attitude, note the airplane is climbing
  • Nose down to a 500 fpm descent, note the airplane is descending
  • Have the student try S&L, gently nose-up climb and nose-down descent

Level Turns​

  • Demonstrate a level turn, have the student note where the cowling hits the horizon on the left and right
  • Demonstrate a turn with nose too high, note that the airplane climbs
  • Demonstrate a turn with nose too low, note that the airplane descends
  • Explain that we need a little bit of rudder to get us into the turn and get us out of the turn
    • We need more rudder on the right than on a left turn
  • Have the student try gentle turns and find the level turn attitude

Climbs​

  • Demonstrate a VY pitch attitude with climb power, have the student note the horizon vs the cowling
  • Return to level flight and have the student try establishing a VY climb
    • Handle the throttle setting for the student so they can focus outside
  • Demonstrate a VX pitch attitude with climb power, have the student note the horizon vs the cowling
  • Return to level flight and have the student try establishing a VX climb
    • Handle the throttle setting for the student so they can focus outside

Descents​

  • Establish a 500 fpm descent with typical descent power, have the student note the horizon vs the cowling
  • Return to level flight
  • Have the student establish a descending pitch attitude
    • Handle throttle setting for the student