Summary of Airplane Control Summary of Airplane Control

   In summarizing the control of the airplane during flight in unfavorable weather conditions, the following elements are essential in attaining the main objectives of the desired flight condition:

      1. Straight and level; - bank control to keep the wings level and the heading constant; pitch control to maintain altitude; CHECK HEADING AND ALTITUDE.

      2. Straight climbs; - bank control to keep the wings level and the heading constant; pitch control to maintain airspeed; CHECK HEADING AND AIRSPEED.

      3. Straight descents; - bank control to keep the wings level and the heading constant; pitch and power control to maintain airspeed; CHECK HEADING AND AIRSPEED.

      4. Turns to headings; - bank control to keep bank constant; pitch control to maintain altitude; CHECK HEADING AND AIRSPEED.

      5. Flying to radio station; - bank control to make turns; pitch control to maintain altitude; CHECK HEADING, NAVIGATION INDICATOR, AND ALTITUDE.

      6. DF and radar headings; - bank control to make turns; pitch control to maintain altitude; CHECK HEADING AND ALTITUDE.

   The practice of these procedures should be accomplished only on dual instruction flights or when someone is along to watch for other aircraft.

   The most important point to be stressed is that the pilot must not panic. When the task at hand seems to be overwhelming by so many things to do or items to note, the best procedure for any pilot is to make a conscious effort to relax and take one thing at a time. It may be best to let some things go and concentrate mainly on the more urgent matters. In most cases the pilot's primary concern is to keep the wings level. An uncontrolled turn or bank usually leads to difficulty in achieving the objectives of any desired flight condition. It will be found that good bank control makes pitch control so much easier.

   Next in importance is to believe what the instruments show about the airplane's attitude regardless of what the natural senses tell the pilot. Instrument flying has no place for "seat of the pants flying." This is often a difficult fact for many pilots to learn, but it must be stressed. Remember, these are emergency procedures, and without outside visual references the pilot has little choice but to rely on the flight instruments.

   When using DF radar services, it is very important that the pilot listen carefully, and as accurately as possible, follow the instructions of the controllers; otherwise the task becomes most difficult for both the pilot and the controller. If instructions ar not understood or cannot be complied with, a clarification or different instruction should be requested. While concentrating on flying the airplane, the pilot must also make a conscious effort to remember the latest heading and altitude instruction given by ATC.