Ex 6. Straight & Level flight
Aim: To attain and maintain flight in a straight line, and at a constant altitude.
Airmanship:
- Lookout
- Regular checks – Fuel state/consumption rate/engine instruments/etc
Straight flight:
- Visual reference point
- Regaining and maintaining visual reference point
- Use of yaw control to maintain balanced flight
Level flight, (Normal cruise power):
- Power required dependent on load carried
- Attitude appreciation and control
- Use of in-flight trim control (if applicable)
- Hands-off trim
- Inherent stability
- Use of altimeter to check level
Level flight, (Varying power settings and IAS):
- Power provides height
- Angle of attack provides speed
- Power and angle of attack combine to give performance
Attitude control:
- Use of pitch control to maintain constant attitude to achieve constant I.A.S.
Difference between 3-axis aircraft and weightshift aircraft
Pitch inputs change attitude on both weight shift & 3-axis aircraft, but with a weight shift aircraft the nose attitude in relation to the horizon remains nearly constant with different airspeeds, in a 3-axis aircraft the nose attitude in relation to the horizon changes with different airspeeds