XII. AREA OF OPERATION: BASIC INSTRUMENT MANEUVERS
NOTE: The examiner must select at least one TASK.
Table of Contents
PTS Standard ..................................................................................................................................................................3
STRAIGHT-AND-LEVEL FLIGHT (ASEL and ASES).............................................................................................................7
CONSTANT AIRSPEED CLIMBS (ASEL and ASES) .............................................................................................................9
CONSTANT AIRSPEED DESCENTS (ASEL and ASES) ......................................................................................................11
TURNS TO HEADINGS (ASEL and ASES) ........................................................................................................................13
RECOVERY FROM UNUSUAL FLIGHT ATTITUDES (ASEL and ASES) ..............................................................................15
*Only the ASEL sections are applicable to the CFI ASEL rating.
Pg. 12-1
Pg. 12-2
PTS Standard
XII. AREA OF OPERATION: BASIC INSTRUMENT MANEUVERS
NOTE: The examiner must select at least one TASK.
A. TASK: STRAIGHT-AND-LEVEL FLIGHT (ASEL and ASES)
REFERENCES: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-8081-14.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of straight-and-level flight solely by reference to
instruments by describing—
a. instrument cross-check, instrument interpretation, and aircraft control.
b. instruments used for pitch, bank, and power control, and how those instruments are used to
maintain altitude, heading, and airspeed.
c. trim procedure.
2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to straight-and-level flight solely by reference
to instruments by describing—
a. “fixation,” “omission,” and “emphasis” errors during instrument cross-check.
b. improper instrument interpretation.
c. improper control applications.
d. failure to establish proper pitch, bank, or power adjustments during altitude, heading, or
airspeed corrections.
e. faulty trim procedure.
3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains straight-and-level flight, solely by reference to instruments,
from an instructional standpoint.
4. Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to straight-and-level flight, solely by reference to
instruments.
B. TASK: CONSTANT AIRSPEED CLIMBS (ASEL and ASES)
REFERENCES: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-8081-14.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of straight and turning, constant airspeed climbs, solely
by reference to instruments by describing—
a. instrument cross-check, instrument interpretation, and aircraft control.
b. instruments used for pitch, bank, and power control during entry, during the climb, and during
level off, and how those instruments are used to maintain climb heading and airspeed.
c. trim procedure.
2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to straight and turning, constant airspeed
climbs, solely by reference to instruments by describing—
a. “fixation,” “omission,” and “emphasis” errors during instrument cross-check.
b. improper instrument interpretation.
c. improper control applications.
d. failure to establish proper pitch, bank, or power adjustments during heading and airspeed
corrections.
e. improper entry or level-off procedure.
f. faulty trim procedure.
3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a straight and turning, constant airspeed climb, solely by
reference to instruments, from an instructional standpoint.
4. Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to straight and turning, constant airspeed climbs,
solely by reference to instruments.
Pg. 12-3
C. TASK: CONSTANT AIRSPEED DESCENTS (ASEL and ASES)
REFERENCES: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-8081-14.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of straight and turning, constant airspeed descents,
solely by reference to instruments by describing—
a. instrument cross-check, instrument interpretation, and aircraft control.
b. instruments used for pitch, bank, and power control during entry, during the descent, and during
level off, and how those instruments are used to maintain descent heading and airspeed.
c. trim procedure.
2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to straight and turning, constant airspeed
descents, solely by reference to instruments by describing—
a. “fixation,” “omission,” and “emphasis” errors during instrument cross-check.
b. improper instrument interpretation.
c. improper control applications.
d. failure to establish proper pitch, bank, or power adjustments during heading and airspeed
corrections.
e. improper entry or level-off procedure.
f. faulty trim procedure.
3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a straight and turning, constant airspeed descent, solely by
reference to instruments, from an instructional standpoint.
4. Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to straight and turning, constant airspeed
descents, solely by reference to instruments.
D. TASK: TURNS TO HEADINGS (ASEL and ASES)
REFERENCES: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-8081-14.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of turns to headings, solely by reference to instruments
by describing—
a. instrument cross-check, instrument interpretation, and aircraft control.
b. instruments used for pitch, bank, and power control during turn entry, during the turn, and
during the turn rollout, and how those instruments are used.
c. trim procedure.
2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to turns to headings, solely by reference to
instruments by describing—
a. “fixation,” “omission,” and “emphasis” errors during instrument cross-check.
b. improper instrument interpretation.
c. improper control applications.
d. failure to establish proper pitch, bank, and power adjustments during altitude, bank, and
airspeed corrections.
e. improper entry or rollout procedure.
f. faulty trim procedure.
3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a turn to a heading, solely by reference to instruments, from
an instructional standpoint.
4. Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to turns to headings, solely by reference to
instruments.
Pg. 12-4
E. TASK: RECOVERY FROM UNUSUAL FLIGHT ATTITUDES (ASEL and ASES)
REFERENCES: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-8081-14.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of recovery from unusual flight attitudes by describing—
a. conditions and situations that may result in unusual flight attitudes.
b. the two basic unusual flight attitudes—nose-high (climbing turn) and nose-low (diving spiral).
c. how unusual flight attitudes are recognized.
d. control sequence for recovery from a nose-high attitude and the reasons for that sequence.
e. control sequence for recovery from a nose-low attitude and the reasons for that sequence.
f. reasons why the controls should be coordinated during unusual flight attitude recoveries.
2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to recovery from unusual flight attitudes by
describing—
a. failure to recognize an unusual flight attitude.
b. consequences of attempting to recover from an unusual flight attitude by “feel” rather than by
instrument indications.
c. inappropriate control applications during recovery.
d. failure to recognize from instrument indications when the airplane is passing through a level
flight attitude.
3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a recovery from nose-high and a nose-low flight attitude from
an instructional standpoint.
4. Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to recovery from unusual flight attitudes.
Pg. 12-5
Pg. 12-6
STRAIGHT-AND-LEVEL FLIGHT (ASEL and ASES)
Objective:
To develop the student’s ability to fly the aircraft with reference to the instruments.
Before Flight:
 Attitude indicator as Direct Indication of pitch attitude in level flight
 Must be adjusted according to other direct indications of level flight
 Altimeter as Indirect Indication of pitch attitude in level flight
 Rate of change indicates magnitude of deviation from level attitude
Maneuver Elements:
 Instructor or student adjusts pitch based on AI to observe relationship between AI position changes and
actual aircraft pitch changes
 Use half-bar-width, full-bar-width, and one-and-one-half-bar-width adjustments on AI to demonstrate this
 Instructor ensures student has relaxed grip on controls to allow for better feel of subtle control pressure
changes
 Instructor ensures student is using trim properly by having student release controls occasionally
 Instructor or student adjusts pitch and observes resultant altimeter rate-of-change
Aircraft Setup:
Flaps up, gear up
Normal cruise: (C172RG: 23” Hg, 2300 RPM)
Things to Avoid (Common Errors):
 Failure to properly interpret instruments
 Failure to cross-reference instruments
Pg. 12-7
Diagrams:
References:
Instrument Flying Handbook – Chapter 5
Completion Standards:
The lesson is complete when the student demonstrates knowledge through a written or oral exam and is able to
perform straight-and-level flight with reference to the instruments to the satisfaction of the instructor and in
accordance with the current Practical Test Standards for the student’s stage of training.
Pg. 12-8
CONSTANT AIRSPEED CLIMBS (ASEL and ASES)
Objective:
To enhance the student skills and comfort with performing straight, constant airspeed climbs and descents under
instrument meteorological conditions.
Before Flight:
 Under given power setting and load condition, only one attitude will give most efficient climbs
 Entry:
o From cruising airspeed, raise mini aircraft to approximate nose-high indication for predetermined
climb speed
o Power may be set to climb power simultaneously, or after pitch change
o See IFH Figure 5-25 for Primary and Supporting Instruments
 Stabilized Climb at Constant Airspeed:
o See IFH Figure 5-26 for primary and supporting instruments
 Leveling Off:
o Level off before reaching desired altitude (lead by 10% VS)
o To level off at climb airspeed, reduce power simultaneously with pitch change
o See IFH Figure 5-29 for primary and supporting instruments
Maneuver Elements:
 perform climbs using airspeed, vertical speed (rate) or both
o Pitch
o Power
o Trim
 Leveling out: for climbs: 10% of climb rate prior to altitude; for descents: 100-150’ prior to altitude
o With turns, roll out on new heading at 50% of bank angle prior to heading
Aircraft Setup:
Flaps up, gear up
Normal climb: (C172RG: 25” Hg, 2500 RPM)
Things to Avoid (Common Errors):
 Failure to properly interpret instruments
 Failure to cross-reference instruments
Pg. 12-9
Diagrams:
References:
Instrument Flying Handbook Chapter 5
Completion Standards:
The lesson is complete when the student demonstrates knowledge through a written or oral exam and is able to
perform straight, constant airspeed climbs and descents with reference to the instruments to the satisfaction of
the instructor and in accordance with the current Practical Test Standards for the student’s stage of training.
Pg. 12-10
CONSTANT AIRSPEED DESCENTS (ASEL and ASES)
Objective:
To enhance the student skills and comfort with performing straight, constant airspeed climbs and descents under
instrument meteorological conditions.
Before Flight:
 Entry:
o Reduce power first to descent speed and then pitch to maintain that speed
o Any airspeed deviation calls for pitch adjustment
o See IFH Figure 5-30 for primary and supporting instruments
 Leveling Off:
o Apprx. 100-150 feet above altitude, set cruise power (for level flight at higher than descent
speed)
o Begin to level-off 50 feet above altitude
o To level-off at descent airspeed, level-off and set cruise power at 50 feet above altitude
o See IFH Figures 5-31 and 5-32 for primary and supporting instruments
Maneuver Elements:
 Perform descents using airspeed, vertical speed (rate) or both
o Power
o Pitch
o Trim
 Leveling out: for climbs: 10% of climb rate prior to altitude; for descents: 100-150’ prior to altitude
o With turns, roll out on new heading at 50% of bank angle prior to heading
Aircraft Setup:
Flaps up, gear up
Things to Avoid (Common Errors):
 Failure to properly interpret instruments
 Failure to cross-reference instruments
Pg. 12-11
Diagrams:
References:
Instrument Flying Handbook – Chapter 5
Completion Standards:
The lesson is complete when the student demonstrates knowledge through a written or oral exam and is able to
perform straight, constant airspeed climbs and descents with reference to the instruments to the satisfaction of
the instructor and in accordance with the current Practical Test Standards for the student’s stage of training.
Pg. 12-12
TURNS TO HEADINGS (ASEL and ASES)
Objective:
To familiarize the pilot with turning the aircraft with reference to the instruments and any errors associated with
these instruments.
Before Flight:
 For small heading changes, use a bank angle that doesn’t exceed degrees to be turned
 Lead desired heading and begin roll-out apprx. ½ the bank angle in degrees
 Perfect this technique to determine appropriate lead for current aircraft
 Timed Turns:
o Calibrate turn coordinator to determine actual std. turn indication (establish std. rate turn and
check headings at chosen time intervals)
o Note correct deflection of turn coordinator required for std. rate and use that in all std. rate
turns
o 3* per second at standard rate
o See IFH Figure 5-34 for primary and supporting instruments
 Compass Turns:
o Compass Errors:
 Variation
 Isogonic and Agonic lines
 Conversion from True to Magnetic North
 Deviation
 Magnetic Dip
 Caused by vertical component of Earth’s flux lines
 Acceleration/Deceleration Error (ANDS in the Northern Hemisphere)
 Turning Error (UNOS in the Northern Hemisphere)
 Magnitude is apprx. equal to current latitude for N or S
Maneuver Elements:
 Instructor will check heading indicator for accuracy of student’s turns
 Student will perform maneuver as covered before flight
 Student will perform maneuver with partial panel
Pg. 12-13
Diagrams:
Aircraft Setup:
Flaps up, gear up
Normal climb: (C172RG: 23” Hg, 2300 RPM)
Things to Avoid (Common Errors):
 Failure to properly interpret instruments
 Failure to cross-reference instruments
References:
Instrument Flying Handbook – Chapter 5
Completion Standards:
The lesson is complete when the student demonstrates knowledge through a written or oral exam and is able to
perform turns to headings with reference to the instruments to the satisfaction of the instructor and in accordance
with the current Practical Test Standards for the student’s stage of training.
Pg. 12-14
RECOVERY FROM UNUSUAL FLIGHT ATTITUDES (ASEL and ASES)
Objective:
To develop the student’s ability to make intelligent decisions and execute recovery procedures based on the actual
attitude of the aircraft in the event that student should inadvertently enter an unusual attitude.
Before Flight:
 Unusual attitude is any attitude not normally required for flight
 Effective instrument scan will allow for quick detection of unusual attitude
 When unusual attitude is encountered, increase speed of scan, and execute recovery procedures as
outlined in the AFM/POH
 Recovery from nose-high attitudes:
o Add power
o Lower nose
o Level wings
o Recovery from nose-low attitudes:
o Reduce power
o Level wings
o Raise nose
o During recovery, look for stabilization or slight reversal in instrument indication trends
Maneuver Elements:
 Clear the area
 Instructor: choose forced landing area
 Configure aircraft for cruise or as necessary
 Student: wear a view-limiting device
 Instructor: put aircraft into an unusual attitude
 Student: Recover from unusual attitude using only instruments:
o Nose low: reduce power to idle, wings level, pitch the nose to level flight, then readjust for
cruise flight
o Nose high: increase power to full, apply forward elevator pressure to prevent stall, wings level,
then readjust for cruise flight
 Maintain ball centered throughout recovery
 Instructor looks for traffic while student performs under a hood
Aircraft Setup:
Flaps up, gear up
Normal cruise: (C172RG: 23” Hg, 2300 RPM)
Things to Avoid (Common Errors):
 Slow cross-check and fixation
 Attempting recovery by sensory information versus instruments
 Failure to practice basic instrument skills
References:
Instrument Flying Handbook – Chapter 5
Pg. 12-15
Completion Standards:
The lesson is complete when the student demonstrates knowledge through a written or oral exam and is able to
perform unusual attitude recovery to the satisfaction of the instructor and in accordance with the current Practical
Test Standards for the student’s stage of training.
Pg. 12-16