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

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
2.6.4.1. Sky pointer. For attitude indicators with a single bank pointer and bank scale
at the top, the bank pointer can be considered a sky pointer. It always points up and
should be in the upper half of the case. Rolling towards the bank pointer to place it in
the upper half of the case will correct an inverted attitude.
2.6.4.2. Ground pointer. For those attitude indicators with the bank scale at the
bottom, rolling in the direction that will place the pitch reference scale right side up
will correct an inverted attitude.
2.6.4.2.1. NOTE: Ease of pitch interpretation varies with the type of attitude
indicator installed. Attitude indicators having pitch reference scales in degrees
and gray or black attitude spheres can easily be interpreted for climb or dive
indications. For those aircraft not so equipped, the airspeed indicator, altimeter,
or vertical velocity indicator generally presents the most easily interpreted
indication of a climb or a dive. Attitude interpretation is a skill that must be
highly developed by practice in flight and on the ground in simulators or with
mockups.
2.6.5. Recovery Procedures--Attitude Indicators Operative. For fixed-wing aircraft, use
the following procedures if specific unusual attitude recovery procedures are not in the
flight manual.
2.6.5.1. Diving. If diving, adjust power or drag devices as appropriate while rolling
to a wings level, upright attitude, and correct to level flight on the attitude indicator.
Do not add back pressure until less than 90° of bank.
2.6.5.2. Climbing. If climbing, use power as required and bank as necessary to assist
pitch control and to avoid negative G forces. As the fuselage dot of the miniature
aircraft approaches the horizon bar, adjust pitch, bank, and power to complete
recovery and establish the desired aircraft attitude. When recovering from a steep
climb, care must be exercised in some aircraft to avoid exceeding bank limitations.
2.6.5.3. Bank and power. During unusual attitude recoveries, coordinate the amount
of bank and power used with the rate at which airspeed and pitch are being controlled.
Bank and power used must be compatible with aircraft and engine characteristics.
2.6.6. Recovery Procedures--Attitude Indicators Inoperative. With an inoperative
attitude indicator, successful recovery from unusual attitudes depends greatly on pilot
proficiency and early recognition of attitude indicator failure. For example, attitude
indicator failure should be immediately suspected if control pressures are applied for a
turn without corresponding attitude indicator changes. Another example would be
satisfactory performance instrument indications that contradict the "picture" on the
attitude indicator. Should an unusual attitude be encountered with an inoperative attitude
indicator, the following procedures are recommended:
2.6.6.1. Climb or dive. Determine whether the aircraft is in a climb or a dive by
referring to the airspeed, altimeter, and vertical velocity indicators.
2.6.6.2. Diving. If diving, roll to center the turn needle and recover from the dive.
Adjust power or drag devices as appropriate. (Disregarding vertical attitudes, rolling
"away" from the turn needle and centering it will result in an upright attitude).