Gyroscopic Flight Instruments Flashcards
Attitude Indicator
Gives you immediate and direct indication of pitch and bank attitude
The gyro is vacuum-driven
The gyro remains rigid in space and parallel to the horizon
Heading Indicator
Primary source for Heading Vacuum powered and senses rotation about the aircraft vertical axis
Must be aligned with magnetic compass
What are the 3 Gyroscopic instruments?
Attitude Indicator
Heading Indicator
Turn Coordinator
Name several types of power sources commonly used to power the gyroscopic instruments in an aircraft.
In some airplanes, all the gyros are vacuum, pressure or electrically operated; in others, vacuum or pressure systems provide the power for the Heading and Attitude indicators, while the electrical system provides the power for the turn coordinator.
Note: it is extremely important to consult the POH/AFM to determine the power source of all instruments to know what action to take in the event of an instrument failure.
How does the vaccum system operate?
The vaccum system spins the gyro by drawing a stream of air against the rotor vanse to spin the rotor at high speeds. Air is drawn into the instrument through a filter from the cockpit and vented outside.
Example: air is first drawn into the vacuum system through a filter, then it moves through the attitide and heading indicators where it causes the gyos to spin. After that , it continues to the engin-driven vaccum pump where it is expelled. A relief valve prevents the vacuum pressure or suction from exceeding prescribed limits.
I have an engine driven pump
What are two characteristics of gyroscopes?
Rigidity - Regardless of the position of its base, a gyro tends to remain rigid in space, with its axis of rotation pointed in a constant direction.
Precession - Small forces is applied to the gyros whenever the airplane changes direction. The applied force is felt not at the point of application, but 90° from that point in the direction of rotation.
