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IFR Lesson Guides - Unusual Attitude

IFR Lesson Guides:  Intro | Basic Attitude Instruction | Cockpit Check | Pitch Control | Bank Control | Power Control | Constant Airspeed | Turns | ITO | Constant Rate | Compass | Steep Turns | Unusual Attitudes | Precision Flight | Bravo Pattern | Descent Profile
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Three phases of an instrument rating

1. General Considerations - Assume that an unusual attitude exists if the rate of movement of the instruments is not normal. When an unusual attitude is detected, prompt corrective action is essential. In moderate unusual attitudes, the pilot can normally reorient himself by establishing a level flight indication on the Attitude Indicator. However, recoveries should be made primarily by reference to the airspeed indicator, altimeter, turn coordinator, and the vertical-speed indicator for these reasons; (1) many aircraft are equipped with spillable attitude indicators, and (2) the gyroscopic instruments may become inoperative, or, in extreme attitudes, difficult to interpret. 

2. Rules for Recovery - Check the trend of the airspeed indicator and altimeter to determine whether the nose is low or high. Determine the direction of turn by reference to the turn coordinator. Make corrective control applications almost simultaneously. Emphasize proper interpretation of attitude to ensure proper control sequence. The example given below is the recommended sequence for most situations. 

a. If the nose is low: 
(1) Reduce the power to prevent excessive airspeed and loss of altitude. 
(2) Level the wings by applying coordinated aileron and rudder pressures to level the miniature aircraft of the turn coordinator and center the ball. 
(3) Apply elevator pressure to correct the pitch attitude to level flight. 

b. If the nose is high: 
(1) Apply power. 
(2) Apply forward elevator pressure to lower the nose and prevent a stall. 
(3) Correct the bank by applying coordinated aileron and rudder pressure level the miniature aircraft of the turn coordinator and center the ball. 

c. The pitch attitude will be approximately level when the airspeed and altimeter needles stop their movement and the vertical-speed indicator reverses its trend. 

d. The airplane's bank attitude will be approximately level when the miniature aircraft of the turn coordinator is level. 

e. Do not use the attitude indicator until you verify that it is reliable. 

f. Start a climb or descent back to the original altitude and heading as soon as you attain full control of the aircraft and have a safe airspeed. 

3. Student Practice 
a. Recovery from nose-low unusual attitudes:
(1) With all available instruments. 
(2) Without the attitude indicator and heading indicator. 

b. Recovery from nose-high unusual attitudes: 
(1) With all available instruments. 
(2) Without the attitude indicator and heading indicator

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