Republic of the Philippines

PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

SUBJECT MODULE: AIRCRAFT AVIONICS AND AUTOPILOT SYSTEM

SUBJECT CODE: AE 312
MODULE TITLE: Module 3: FLIGHT INSTRUMENT

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME MODULE LEARNING OUTCOME TOPIC LEARNING OUTCOME

CLO 1. Obtain knowledge and MLO 1. Describe the importance of

understanding of basic operation Flight Instrument TLO 1. Recall the basic operation
and function of interface system of of Flight Instrument.
Aircraft Avionics that culminates a MLO 2. Recall the mechanism and TLO 2. Distinguish the different
comprehensive flight simulation inputs of Fight Instrument Sensors types of Flight Instrument and its
CLO 2. Develop creative, logical, corresponding sensor
critical thinking, and analyzing the MLO 3. Examine the flow of TLO 3. Illustrate the basic diagram
block diagram using schematic operation from external airflow to of Pitot-Static Elements
symbols Primary Flight Display
CLO 3Apply appropriate mastery of
the knowledge techniques and
skills, and adapt to emerging
applications of modern technology;
aircraft systems, flight instruments,
navigation system, interphone,
communication, electrical, lights
during inspection and maintenanc

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

CONTENTS:

TIME
TITLE PAGES
ALLOCATION
1.Flight Instrument 4 5 mins.
1.1. Altimeter 5 5 mins.
1.2. Airspeed Indicator 6-7 5 mins.
1.3. Vertical Speed Indicator 8 5 mins.
1.4 Attitude Indicator 9 5 mins.
1.5 Heading Indicator 10 5 mins.
1.6 Turn Indicator 11-12 5 mins.
2. Pitot Static System… 13 5 mins.
3. Location of Pitot and Static Port 14 5 mins.
4. Primary Flight Display 15 5 mins.
4.1 Location of PFD 16 5 mins
ACTIVITY NO.3… 17 30 mins.
REFERENCCES 18

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

LEARNING MATERIALS
To help you successfully completed on a productive fashion on this course, we have
included the following Learning Materials.

MODULES
This module includes a sequence of discussions; workshop activity at the end of the
topics; separate online assignments and quizzes through Google Classroom (TBA),
covering the key points of its topic and the separate Laboratory Exercises Module. The
key assignment questions and quizzes are put to assess your understanding of the
concepts discussed. Following confirmation of the activities carried out, the answers for
your clarification are provided. Other course requirement for your interpretations and
discussion will be present on the first day of classes.

ASSESMENT CRITERIA:
Created a Rubrics through Google Classroom that shall serve as a basis for evaluation
of the Assignment and Quizzes given.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Key Learning points are highlighted through the text and are designed to emphasize
particularly important issues and conclusions.

SUMMARY
Each topic ends with summary drawing together the main point of the content of the
topic

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

What are flight Instruments?

Pilots rely on flight instruments to understand where the plane is, how fast it is travelling and what
it is doing as well as a large amount of other information.
In order to safely fly any aircraft, a pilot must understand how to interpret and operate the flight
instruments. The pilot also needs to be able to recognize associated errors and malfunctions of
these instruments

Flight Instruments
Flight instruments are the instruments in
the cockpit of an aircraft that provide the
pilot with data about the flight situation of
that aircraft, such as altitude, airspeed,
vertical speed, heading and attitude.
They improve safety by allowing the pilot
to fly the aircraft in level flight, and make
turns, without a reference outside the
aircraft such as the horizon
Figure 1 The basic T arrangement for flight instruments

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

Altimeter

The altimeter is an instrument that

measures the height of an aircraft
above a given pressure level. Since
the altimeter is the only instrument
that is capable of indicating
altitude, this is one of the most vital
instruments installed in the aircraft.

Altimeter

Five types of Altitude:

Indicated Altitude. The altitude indicated on the altimeter when the

correct barometric pressure is set.
True Altitude. Height above sea level (MSL).
Absolute Altitude. Height above ground level (AGL).
Pressure Altitude. The altitude indicated on the altimeter based on a
‘standard atmospheric level’, this is sometimes used in flight planning
calculations.
Density Altitude. This is the Pressure Altitude adjusted for temperature
variations (density altitude affects aircraft performance).

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

Airspeed Indicator (ASI)

The ASI, is a sensitive, differential pressure gauge that

measures and promptly indicates the difference between
pitot (impact/dynamic pressure) and static pressure.
These two pressures are equal when the aircraft is parked
on the ground in calm air. When the aircraft moves
through the air the pressure on the pitot line becomes
greater than the pressure in the static lines. This
difference in pressure is registered by the airspeed
pointer on the face of the instrument, which is calibrated
in miles per hour, knots (nautical miles per hour), or both.

Airspeed Indicator (ASI)

Four types of Airspeeds

Indicated Airspeed (IAS). The Airspeed Indicator reading without any consideration for
atmospheric conditions or potential installation and instrument errors. The Indicated
Airspeed is used to give the manufacturers recommendations for aircraft performance
indications relating to take off, landing, and stall speeds.

Calibrated Airspeed (CAS). The Indicated Airspeed corrected for installation error and
instrument error. Under certain operating conditions installation and instrument errors may
total several knots.

True Airspeed (TAS). The Calibrated Airspeed corrected for altitude related atmospheric
conditions such as temperature variations and air density. The True Airspeed is used for
flight planning calculations.

Groundspeed (GS). The aircraft’s actual speed over the ground, or the True Airspeed
adjusted for wind resistance factors (headwind, tailwind etc.).

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

Single Engine Airspeed Indicator

Airspeed Indicator Markings

This system of color-coded markings enables a pilot to determine at a glance certain airspeed limitations
that are important to the safe operation of the aircraft.

• White arc—commonly referred to as the flap operating range since its lower limit represents the full flap
stall speed and its upper limit provides the maximum flap speed. Approaches and landings are usually
flown at speeds within the white arc.

• Lower limit of white arc (VS0)—the stalling speed or the minimum steady flight speed in the landing
configuration. In small aircraft, this is the power-off stall speed at the maximum landing weight in the
landing configuration (gear and flaps down).

• Upper limit of the white arc (VFE)—the maximum speed with the flaps extended.

• Green arc—the normal operating range of the aircraft. Most flying occurs within this range.

• Lower limit of green arc (VS1)—the stalling speedor the minimum steady flight speed obtained in a
specified configuration. For most aircraft, this is the power-off stall speed at the maximum takeoff weight
in the clean configuration (gear up, if retractable, and flaps up).

• Upper limit of green arc (VN0)—the maximum structural cruising speed. Do not exceed this speed
except in smooth air.

• Yellow arc—caution range. Fly within this range only in smooth air and then only with caution.

• Red line (VNE)—never exceed speed. Operating above this speed is prohibited since it may result in
damage or structural failure.

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

The VSI, which is sometimes called

a vertical velocity indicator (VVI),
indicates whether the aircraft is
climbing, descending, or in level
flight. The rate of climb or descent
is indicated in feet per minute
(fpm). If properly calibrated, the VSI
indicates zero in level flight

Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)

The VSI displays two different types of information:

• Trend information shows an immediate indication of an increase or decrease in the
aircraft’s rate of climb or descent.
• Rate information shows a stabilized rate of change in altitude

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

The attitude indicator, with its miniature aircraft

and horizon bar, displays a picture of the attitude
of the aircraft. The relationship of the miniature
aircraft to the horizon bar is the same as the
relationship of the real aircraft to the actual
horizon. The instrument gives an instantaneous
indication of even the smallest changes in
attitude.

The gyro in the attitude indicator is

mounted in a horizontal plane and
depends upon rigidity in space for its
operation. The horizon bar represents
the true horizon. This bar is fixed to the
gyro and remains in a horizontal plane as
the aircraft is pitched or banked about its
lateral or longitudinal axis, indicating the
attitude of the aircraft relative to the
true horizon.

The gyro spins in the horizontal plane

and resists deflection of the rotational
path. Since the gyro relies on rigidity in
space, the aircraft actually rotates
around the spinning gyro.

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

The heading indicator is fundamentally

a mechanical instrument designed to
facilitate the use of the magnetic
compass. Errors in the magnetic
compass are numerous, making
straight flight and precision turns to
headings difficult to accomplish,
particularly in turbulent air.

Some heading indicators

referred to as horizontal
situation indicators (HSI) receive
a magnetic north reference from
a magnetic slaving transmitter
and generally need no
adjustment. The magnetic
slaving transmitter is called a
magnetometer.

10

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

Aircraft use two types of turn indicators: turn-and-slip indicators and turn
coordinators. Because of the way the gyro is mounted, the turn-and-slip indicator
shows only the rate of turn in degrees per second. The turn coordinator is
mounted at an angle, or canted, so it can initially show roll rate. When the roll
stabilizes, it indicates rate of turn. Both instruments indicate turn direction and
quality (coordination), and also serve as a backup source of bank information in
the event an attitude indicator fails. Coordination is achieved by referring to the
inclinometer, which consists of a liquid-filled curved tube with a ball inside.

Turn and Slip Indicator

The gyro in the turn-and-slip indicator rotates in the vertical plane corresponding to
the aircraft’s longitudinal axis. A single gimbal limits the planes in which the gyro can
tilt, and a spring works to maintain a center position. Because of precession, a
yawing force causes the gyro to tilt left or right, as viewed from the pilot seat.

11

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

Turn and Slip Indicator

The gyro in the turn-and-slip indicator rotates in the vertical plane

corresponding to the aircraft’s longitudinal axis. A single gimbal limits the
planes in which the gyro can tilt, and a spring works to maintain a center
position. Because of precession, a yawing force causes the gyro to tilt left or
right, as viewed from the pilot seat.

The turn-and-slip indicator uses a pointer, called the turn needle, to show the
direction and rate of turn.

The turn-and-slip indicator is incapable of “tumbling” off its rotational axis

because of the restraining springs. When extreme forces are applied to a
gyro, the gyro is displaced from its normal plane of rotation, rendering its
indications invalid. Certain instruments have specific pitch and bank limits
that induce a tumble of the gyro.

Turn Coordinators

The gimbal in the turn

coordinator is canted; therefore,
its gyro can sense both rate of roll
and rate of turn. Since turn
coordinators are more prevalent
in training aircraft, this discussion
concentrates on that instrument.
When rolling into or out of a turn,
the miniature aircraft banks in
the direction the aircraft is rolled.
A rapid roll rate causes the
miniature aircraft to bank more
steeply than a slow roll rate.

12

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

Pitot-Static Flight Instruments

The pitot-static system is a combined

system that utilizes the static air pressure
and the dynamic pressure due to the
motion of the aircraft through the air.
These combined pressures are utilized for
the operation of the airspeed indicator
(ASI), altimeter, and vertical speed
indicator (VSI).

13

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

A320 Aircraft
• 3 Pitot Probes (Capt, FO, Standby)
• 6 Static Ports (2 Capt, 2 FO, 2 Standby)

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MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

A primary flight display or PFD is a modern aircraft instrument

dedicated to flight information. Much like multi-function displays,
primary flight displays are built around a Liquid-crystal display or
CRT display device There are 2 PFD’s Installed in A320 aircraft
(capt&FO)

Attitude Gyro Altimeter

Airspeed Indicator
Vertical Speed Indicator

Heading Indicator

15

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

There are 2 PFDs installed in A320 Family located on the sides of Instrument panel.
They are fully interchangeable.

PFD ND

16

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

SUMMARY
Flight instruments enable an airplane to be operated with maximum performance and
enhanced safety, especially when flying long distances. Manufacturers provide the
necessary instruments, but to use them effectively, pilots need to understand how they
operate. This page covers the operational aspects of the pitot-static system and
associated instruments, the vacuum system and associated instruments, and the
magnetic compass

KEY POINTS
Flight instruments are found in the cockpit of an airplane and provide information to the
pilot about the flight situation of the aircraft. Information provided by the flight
instruments are; altitude, speed and direction among others. Flight instruments consist
of airspeed indicator, magnetic compass, heading indicator, vertical speed indicator,
radio magnetic indicator, altimeter and altitude indicator. These instruments come in
handy in cases of poor visibility which mostly result from bad weather and obstacles in
the sky such as thick clouds.

ACTIVITY NO. 3
Instruction: Arial 12, 1x1-inch margin, 1.5 spacing, Insert Picture (if Applicable) and
Submit it in a PDF Form

Essay. Attach some pictures. Minimum of 100 words per question.

1. Choose one instrument under flight instrument and explain its use
and importance in aviation development.
2. Explain the operation of Pitot Static Block Diagram

----END OF MODULE----

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MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

Activity
Instructions: Write your full name, the subject, your course, year, the date of submission of the activity,
the activity number or the assignment number and the module topic it follows.

REFERENCES:
A320 General Familiarization by SIA Engineering Philippines

Aircraft Avionics by SIA Engineering Philippines

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MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

19

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City

Honesty Clause
This honesty clause establishes a fundamental social contract within which
the College community agrees to live. This contract relies on the conviction that the
personal and academic integrity of each individual member strengthens and
improves the quality of life for the entire community. It recognizes the importance
of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility and wishes these principles
to be a defining part of Philippine State College of Aeronautics
The Institute of Engineering and Technology values and fosters an environment of
academic and personal integrity, supporting the ethical standards of the
engineering profession, where we design and build for the benefit and safety of
society and our environment.
I agree that the submission of any academic work shall constitute a representation
on my part both that such work has been done, and its submission is being made,
in compliance with honesty and integrity. Furthermore, my responsibility includes
taking action when I have witnessed or am aware of another’s act of academic
dishonesty.

Students Name and Signature

20

MODULE 3. Flight Instrument FLEXIBLE MODALITIES

Prepared by: Ms. Princess Bea Jenn G. Hawane