At first, control of the airplane is a matter of consciously fixing the relationship of specific reference points on the airplane to the horizon. As basic flight skills are developed through experience and training, the pilot will acquire a continuous awareness of these relationships without conscious effort. The reference points will be used almost subconsciously in varying degrees to determine the attitude of the airplane during all maneuvers.

   In establishing the reference points, the airplane should be placed approximately in the desired flight attitude, and then the specific points selected. No two pilots see this relationship exactly the same. The apparent position of the reference points will depend on each pilot's seat height and lateral position, and/or the pilot's eye level and line of sight.