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The Basics of Cockpit Instruments
Flying an aircraft is a complex procedure, requiring pilots to constantly be aware of the aircraft’s speed, orientation, altitude, and other characteristics. In order to monitor such conditions, pilots rely on a number of cockpit instruments that come in the form of dials, gauges, or display equipment depending on the aircraft in question. As correctly utilizing cockpit instruments will ensure a safer and more efficient flight, it is highly important that pilots are well aware of the common instruments and how they may be used.
Many of the primary instruments that pilots will monitor are those related to flight, and they include pitot-static and gyroscopic systems that measure altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, heading, and other flight data. Pitot-static instruments in particular are those that rely on the pitot-static system, that of which consists of a pitot tube, static port, and instruments that all utilize pressure for their measurements. Gyroscopic instruments are those that utilize gyroscopes for measurements, and such devices can measure or maintain orientation and angular velocity.
The altimeter is one of the primary pitot-static instruments, and it denotes the distance between an aircraft and sea-level. To garner such measurements, the altimeter utilizes the difference between aneroid capsule pressure and atmospheric pressure obtained from the static port. Measurements may be denoted in either hectopascals (hPa) or inches of mercury (inHg), and such devices may be calibrated to take into account barometric pressure.
The airspeed indicator is used to determine the aircraft’s speed in relation to the surrounding air. To do this, the airspeed indicator utilizes both the static port and pitot tube to measure pressure differences between ram-air pressure and static pressure. As the initial reading from the instrument may not account for various conditions and errors, corrections can be made to find the true airspeed (TAS) value.
The vertical speed indicator is the final major pitot-static instrument, and it is used to measure the rate at which an aircraft is climbing or descending. Connected to the static system, the vertical speed indicator contains a wafer that expands or contracts as atmospheric pressure changes, and these changes reflect rates of climb. While the vertical speed indicator is useful, its readings can be delayed and thus should not be relied upon for quick readings.
The attitude indicator is the first major instrument that relies on gyroscopes, and it is used to find the aircraft’s orientation in relation to the horizon. With the readings provided from the attitude indicator, pilots can determine the roll of their wings as well as whether the aircraft nose is pointing above or below the horizon. To read the instrument, all measurements are provided in degrees.
With the heading indicator, the aircraft’s heading is displayed in compass points. To make readings more accurate by accounting for magnetic north, a compass can be used to set the instrument. Over time, bearing friction can cause readings to be skewed, thus the addition of a compass is very important for calibration as needed.
The turn indicator is the final gyroscopic instrument that pilots should familiarize themselves with, and it indicates rotation along the longitudinal axis. With the use of an inclinometer, one can determine if an aircraft is in coordinated flight, a slip, or a skid. With the markings provided on the instrument, pilots are also provided a standard turning rate in which they can safely turn the aircraft as required.
When you are ready to begin sourcing the cockpit instruments and aircraft components that you need for your flight operations, look no further than ASAP Aero Supplies. ASAP Aero Supplies is a leading distributor of aircraft parts, offering customers competitive pricing on vacuum pump components, flaps, cockpit instrument parts, and much more. As you explore our inventory, we invite you to fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form for the items that you are most interested in. Upon receiving your request, a member of our staff will reach out to you in 15 minutes or less to provide a personalized quote based on your requirements.
