Level Flight in Relation to Instruments

 Objective

• To fly in level flight solely by reference to the instruments

Elements

·       Sole use of VSI, altimeter, and envelope temperature gauge to maintain level flight

Equipment

• In-flight maneuver at various altitudes

Instructor’s Actions

• Pre-flight discussion of lesson objective and distinguish between level flight solely by reference to the ground
• Bring balloon to level flight at stated altitude and request student to hold that altitude ±100 feet by use of the instruments (commercial - +50 feet)
• Demonstrate that pilot can determine at low altitude changes in vertical direction before using instruments due to lag in instruments
• Emphasize that the instruments are not useful within I 00 feet of the ground due to lag
• Use VSI as primary instrument, altimeter as secondary instrument and envelope temperature as alternate instrument to maintain level flight
• Determine equilibrium temperature at given altitude and request student maintain temperature to attempt level flight

Student’s Actions

• Demonstrate ability to fly at various altitudes solely in relation to the instruments their relative importance

• Demonstrate knowledge of use of instruments, and contrast with use of pilot observation of ground reference

Completion Standards

• The student should demonstrate competency to maintain altitude within ± I 00 feet with use of the instruments (commercial - ±50 feet)
• Be able to discuss the limitations on the use of instruments and the danger of instrument fixation.