IFH 6-11

Figure 6-17. Radial cross-check. for a long period of time. These variables make it necessary for the pilot to constantly check the instruments and make appropriate changes in airplane attitude using cross-checking of instruments. Examples of cross-checking are explained in the following paragraphs. Selected Radial Cross-Check When the selected radial cross-check is used, a pilot spends 80 to 90 percent of flight time looking at the attitude indicator, taking only quick glances at the other flight instruments (for this discussion, the five instruments surrounding the attitude indicator are called the flight instruments). With this method, the pilot’s eyes never travel directly between the flight instruments but move by way of the attitude indicator. The maneuver being performed determines which instruments to look at in the pattern. [Figure 6-17] Inverted-V Cross-Check In the inverted-V cross-check, the pilot scans from the attitude indicator down to the turn coordinator, up to the attitude indicator, down to the VSI, and back up to the attitude indicator. [Figure 6-18] Rectangular Cross-Check In the rectangular cross-check, the pilot scans across the top three instruments (airspeed indicator, attitude indicator, and altimeter), and then drops down to scan the bottom three instruments (VSI, heading indicator, and turn instrument). This scan follows a rectangular path (clockwise or counterclockwise rotation is a personal choice). [Figure 6-19] This cross-checking method gives equal weight to the information from each instrument, regardless of its importance to the maneuver being performed. However, this method lengthens the time it takes to return to an instrument critical to the successful completion of the maneuver. Common Cross-Check Errors A beginner might cross-check rapidly, looking at the instruments without knowing exactly what to look for. With increasing experience in basic instrument maneuvers and familiarity with the instrument indications associated with them, a pilot learns what to look for, when to look for it, and what response to make. As proficiency increases, a pilot cross-checks primarily from habit, suiting scanning rate and sequence to the demands of the flight situation. Failure to maintain basic instrument proficiency through practice can result in many of the following common scanning errors, both during training and at any subsequent time. Fixation, or staring at a single instrument, usually occurs for a reason, but has poor results. For example, a pilot may stare