Attitude Indicator Adjustability???

[UnAnswerd]

Quick question. Why is the pitch on the attitude indicator adjustable? I'd personally be uneasy knowing that the pitch displayed on the instrument might not be corresponding correctly with the real aircraft.

 

[sky37d]

Quick question. Why is the pitch on the attitude indicator adjustable? I'd personally be uneasy knowing that the pitch displayed on the instrument might not be corresponding correctly with the real aircraft.

So you can change the position of the reference line, to line up with your vision of it.

That way you don't have to compensate for parallax errors.

 

[UnAnswerd]

So you can change the position of the reference line, to line up with your vision of it.

That way you don't have to compensate for parallax errors.

Oh, that's a simpler answer than I thought. So adjusting the instrument simply involves sitting in the seat, and centering the wings with the horizon line???

 

[Guitar Guy]

Oh, that's a simpler answer than I thought. So adjusting the instrument simply involves sitting in the seat, and centering the wings with the horizon line???

That can be done. Just be sure that it's centered after the gyro fully spins up. As you progress to other equipment, you may actually have to un-cage the attitude gyro before setting it. The standby attitude indicator in the Beech 1900D, among other planes, has to be uncaged once power is available to the gyro. At that time, the instrument can then be adjusted to indicate the desired pitch attitude.

 

[mar]

Probably not too much of a factor in a 172

but in a larger airplane, with the same attitude indicator, level flight will be a different value at different weights.

 

[Swede]

but in a larger airplane, with the same attitude indicator, level flight will be a different value at different weights.

True. Always fun to watch a Captain flounder in the sim when the EFIS/MAP/FMC dies and he is reduced to the peanut guages. At 240 KIAS/M.80 at FL390, usually several degrees nose up is needed for level flight. The initial tendency is to pitch over slightly to "level" the jet, inducing 1,000 FPM down. Then the rusty crosscheck comes alive, the VVI/altimeter is referenced, and all returns to normal.

I think the pitch is adjustable for parallax, and it also allows adjustment for sustained cruise if needed, so you don't have to continually try to fly at 3.4 degrees nose up for hours at a time.

 

[mar]

I'd like to buy a vowel.

EFIS/MAP/FMC

Huh?

Whutzat?

 

[FN FAL]

but in a larger airplane, with the same attitude indicator, level flight will be a different value at different weights.

Hahaha...or any airplane at different airspeeds!

As long as the AI is working correctly, the adjustible doohicky can be off...but what other instruments are available that are primary and secondary to pitch?

If you are holding "kentucky windage" on the AI and the VSI and Altimeter show a climb...something's wrong.

What I get a kick out of, is flying a plane after some little fat fu<ker has been driving it for a while. You set the autopilot on ALT and NAV and then you see there is a big gap between where the command bars and the the "triangle" sit. So you take out the fuel strainer and put the flat head end in it and adjust the command bars so they meet the triangle per your viewing pleasure. Happens all the time in GA aircraft.

I think in them big boy airliners, you have to adjust your seat to some witness marks with balls on them so everybody sees the same thing.

 

[mmmdonut]

Hey UnAnswered, I have a suggestion for you:

Each time you come up with one of these idiotic questions, write it down in a little notebook. Keep this notebook with you at all times, even when you go to the sh1tter. When you think of things to ask, just write the question down.

Then, the next time you are with your instructor receiving a flight lesson, ask them all the questions you have written down. You will probably get the best answer that way and you'll be supporting a paid CFI not some random person on a message board.

Thanks!

 

[mar]

You will probably get the best answer that way and you'll be supporting a paid CFI not some random person on a message board.

HEY!

What are you talking about? A better answer than mine? And I'm not just some random person on a message board.

I have feelings too, dammit.

I learn lots of stupid things from stupid questions people ask on this stupid board. Besides that, what else would I do with my stupid little life when I'm not flying.

...read a book?
...have sex?
...go for a hike?

No!

Thank God for people like UnAnswered. Now I have a reason to get up in the morning.

..."keep a little notebook..."

 

[FN FAL]

Hey UnAnswered, I have a suggestion for you:

Each time you come up with one of these idiotic questions, write it down in a little notebook. Keep this notebook with you at all times, even when you go to the sh1tter. When you think of things to ask, just write the question down.

Then, the next time you are with your instructor receiving a flight lesson, ask them all the questions you have written down. You will probably get the best answer that way and you'll be supporting a paid CFI not some random person on a message board.

Thanks!

hahahah...thanks for the laugh mmmdonut!