Chapter 8: Flight Instruments

Question 1

What are the primary flight instruments that use the pitot-static system?

Answer 1

1. Airspeed indicator (ASI)
2. Altimeter
3. Vertical speed indicator (VSI)

Question 2

What is the purpose of the pitot tube?

Answer 2

Measures total pressure, which is the sum of dynamic and static pressure.

Question 3

What does a blocked pitot tube with an open drain hole cause?

Answer 3

Airspeed indicator (ASI) reads zero.

Question 4

What does the altimeter measure?

Answer 4

The height of an aircraft above a given pressure level.

Question 5

What are the five types of altitude?

Answer 5

1. Indicated altitude
2. True altitude
3. Absolute altitude
4. Pressure altitude
5. Density altitude

Question 6

What are the functions of the VSI?

Answer 6

1. Shows climb or descent rate in feet per minute (fpm)
2. Provides trend and rate information.

Question 7

What is indicated airspeed (IAS)?

Answer 7

The direct reading from the ASI without corrections for density, temperature, or installation error.

Question 8

What is true airspeed (TAS)?

Answer 8

Calibrated airspeed (CAS) corrected for altitude and nonstandard temperature.

Question 9

What are the four color-coded markings on an ASI?

Answer 9

1. White arc: Flap operating range
2. Green arc: Normal operating range
3. Yellow arc: Caution range
4. Red line: Never exceed speed (VNE)

Question 10

What does the attitude indicator display?

Answer 10

The aircraft’s pitch and bank attitude relative to the horizon.

Question 11

What are the gyroscopic principles utilized in flight instruments?

Answer 11

1. Rigidity in space
2. Precession

Question 12

What is the function of the turn coordinator?

Answer 12

Indicates rate of turn and roll using gyroscopic precession.

Question 13

What is the purpose of the inclinometer?

Answer 13

Displays coordination of the turn by showing yaw movement.

Question 14

What is the heading indicator based on?

Answer 14

Gyroscopic rigidity in space.

Question 15

What is the AHRS system?

Answer 15

Attitude and Heading Reference System: Replaces free-spinning gyros with solid-state laser systems.

Question 16

What does the magnetometer provide in AHRS systems?

Answer 16

Accurate heading information by sensing the Earth’s magnetic field.

Question 17

What are electronic flight displays (EFD)?

Answer 17

Glass cockpit systems that integrate traditional flight instruments into digital screens.

Question 18

What is the function of trend vectors in EFDs?

Answer 18

Show projected airspeed and altitude changes over 6 seconds.

Question 19

What is the importance of the slip/skid indicator?

Answer 19

Ensures coordinated flight by indicating balanced aerodynamic forces.

Question 20

What is a blocked static system’s impact on flight instruments?

Answer 20

1. Altimeter freezes at the blocked altitude.
2. VSI shows zero.
3. ASI provides inaccurate readings.