BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

26
AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
indicators when setting the power.
2.4.1.3.2. Airspeed deviation. When an airspeed deviation is observed, make a
power or pitch adjustment or a combination of both to correct back to the desired
airspeed. For example, if below the desired altitude with a higher than desired
airspeed, a proper pitch adjustment may regain both the desired airspeed and
altitude. Conversely, a pitch adjustment, if made at the desired airspeed, will
induce the need for a power adjustment. This is more noticeable at slow
airspeeds, particularly in jet aircraft.
2.4.1.3.3. Changes of airspeed. Changes of airspeed in straight and level flight
are accomplished by adjusting the power or drag devices. To increase the
airspeed, advance the power beyond the setting required to maintain the new
airspeed (Figure 2.3). As the airspeed increases, the aircraft gains lift and will
have a tendency to climb. Adjust the pitch attitude as required to maintain
altitude. When the airspeed approaches the desired indication, reduce the power
to an estimated setting that will maintain the new airspeed. To reduce the
airspeed, reduce the power below the setting estimated for maintaining the new
desired airspeed. As the airspeed decreases, the aircraft loses lift and will have a
tendency to descend. Adjust the pitch attitude as required to maintain altitude.
When the airspeed approaches the desired indication, advance the power to an
estimated setting that will maintain the new airspeed. If available, drag devices
may be used for relatively large or rapid airspeed reductions. If used, it is
normally best to reduce the power to the estimated setting that will maintain the
new airspeed and then extend the drag devices. Extending or retracting the drag
devices may induce a pitch change. To overcome this tendency, note the pitch
attitude on the attitude indicator just before operating the drag devices and then
maintain that attitude constant as they are extended or retracted. When
approaching the new airspeed, retract the drag devices and adjust power if
required.
2.4.1.3.3.1. NOTE: Proper control of pitch and bank attitude requires you to
recognize the effects of gyroscopic precession on some attitude indicators.
This precession is most noticeable following a turn or change of airspeed. As
a result, small altitude and heading deviations may occur when a wings level
attitude is established on the attitude indicator following these maneuvers.
Therefore, you may have to establish a pitch or bank attitude other than that
ordinarily expected. For example, to maintain straight and level flight after
completing a normal turn, the attitude indicator may depict a slight turn, climb
or descent, or a combination of both. The attitude indicator will gradually
resume its normal indications as the erection mechanism automatically
corrects these errors. When these errors occur, apply the basic crosscheck
techniques.