Attitude Instrument Flying & the Instrument Scan
Attitude instrument flying is the foundation of all instrument flight: you control the airplane by interpreting the instruments instead of looking outside. You set an attitude on the attitude indicator (control), verify the result on the other instruments (performance), and trim. A disciplined cross-check (scan) prevents fixation and keeps every parameter in tolerance.
Step by step
- 1Use the control-performance (or primary-supporting) method: set a pitch/bank/power on the attitude indicator and power, then cross-check performance instruments to confirm.
- 2Establish a continuous cross-check (scan): sweep the attitude indicator and the supporting instruments, returning to the AI frequently — never fixate on one gauge.
- 3Interpret what the instruments tell you, then make small, smooth control inputs to correct.
- 4Trim off all control pressures so the airplane holds the attitude hands-off, freeing you to scan and manage.
- 5For altitude: pitch (AI) is primary for level flight, the altimeter confirms; for heading: bank (AI) sets it, the heading indicator confirms.
- 6Make corrections in small increments — bracket a target rather than chasing it.
- 7Manage the panel scan together with radios, navigation, and checklists (instrument cross-check plus workload management).
Tips & common errors
- Control + Performance: change the attitude/power (control instruments), then verify on the performance instruments.
- Trim is your friend — a well-trimmed airplane practically flies itself while you scan.
- Common errors: fixation (staring at one instrument), omission (skipping an instrument), and over-controlling.
- Cross-check, interpret, control — repeat. Small corrections keep you in tolerance.
ACS completion standards
The commonly-tested tolerances for this maneuver. Always confirm the current ACS for your certificate.
- Maintain altitude ±100 feet, heading ±10°, and airspeed ±10 knots in straight-and-level instrument flight.
- Use a proper, continuous cross-check and instrument interpretation; trim to relieve pressures.
- Make smooth, coordinated, controlled inputs.
FAA source
FAA-S-ACS-8 (Instrument Rating ACS), Task: Basic Instrument Flight; Instrument Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-15, Chapters 6–7 (Attitude Instrument Flying).
This is an original, plain-English study summary grounded in the public-domain FAA Airman Certification Standards and FAA handbooks cited above. It is a study aid, not flight instruction, and not a substitute for the official ACS, the handbooks, your aircraft’s POH/AFM, or a certificated flight instructor.
Related maneuvers
- Constant-Airspeed Climbs & DescentsOn instruments you frequently change altitude at a constant airspeed. You set a pitch and power for the desired airspeed, hold it with the scan, and lead the level-off so you roll out exactly on the new altitude and back at cruise airspeed.
- Rate Climbs & Descents (Constant Vertical Speed)Sometimes you must hold a specific vertical speed (for example to meet a crossing restriction or to fly a constant descent rate on an approach). You adjust pitch and power to pin the VSI to a target rate while still controlling airspeed, then lead the level-off.
- Steep Turns (Instrument)On instruments, a steep turn (typically a sustained 45° bank) tests your cross-check and control as the higher bank increases the back-pressure and power needed to hold altitude. With no outside horizon, you must control everything by the attitude indicator and supporting instruments.
- Recovery from Unusual Flight AttitudesAn unusual attitude is an unintended extreme pitch and/or bank, usually from distraction, turbulence, or spatial disorientation. By interpreting the instruments (not your senses), you quickly determine whether you are nose-high (approaching a stall) or nose-low (overspeeding) and apply the correct, prioritized recovery.
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