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