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

AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005 45
instruments and nullify the tendency to "chase" the indications.
3.3.6.3. Location of Flight Instruments. Another factor influencing crosscheck
technique is the location of the flight instruments. In some aircraft the flight
instruments are scattered over a wide area of the instrument panel, making it difficult
to bring several instruments into your crosscheck at the same time. Therefore, you
must rapidly scan each instrument individually back and forth across the instrument
panel. More advanced instrument systems, such as the flight director and integrated
flight instrument systems have reduced the required scan to a small area so you can
see more of the flight instruments with one look. The task of cross-checking these
instruments is much easier because you can simultaneously observe the attitude
indicator and the proper performance instruments.
3.3.6.4. Pilot's Ability. An important factor influencing crosscheck technique is the
ability of the pilot. All pilots do not interpret instrument presentations with the same
speed; some are faster than others are in understanding and evaluating what they see.
One reason for this is that the natural ability of pilots varies. Another reason is that
the experience levels are different. Pilots who are experienced and fly regularly will
probably interpret their instruments more quickly than inexperienced pilots. Pilots
who interpret their instruments quickly and correctly do not have to refer back to
them for information as often as pilots who are slow to interpret. They are also able
to bring several instruments into their crosscheck with one glance, interpreting them
simultaneously. Therefore, the speed with which they divide their attention does not
have to be as rapid as the pilot's with less ability, who must scan the instruments
rapidly to stay ahead of the aircraft.
3.3.6.5. Observing Attitude Indicator. The attitude indicator is the only instrument
that you should observe continuously for any appreciable length of time. Several
seconds may be needed to accomplish an attitude change required for a normal turn.
During this period, you may need to devote your attention almost exclusively to the
attitude indicator to ensure good attitude control. The attitude indicator is the
instrument that you should check the greatest number of times. This is shown by the
following description of a normal crosscheck. A pilot glances from the attitude
indicator to a performance instrument, back to the attitude indicator, then a glance at
another performance instrument, back to the attitude indicator, and so forth. This
crosscheck technique can be compared to a wagon wheel. The hub represents the
attitude indicator and the spokes represent the performance instruments.
3.3.7. Normal Crosscheck. The above example of a normal crosscheck does not mean
that it is the only method of cross-checking. Often you must compare the indications of
one performance instrument against another before knowing when or how much to adjust
the attitude or power. An effective crosscheck technique may be one in which attention
to the attitude indicator is inserted between glances at the performance instruments being
compared. Devoting more attention to the attitude indicator is more desirable to
minimize the effects of the fluctuations and lag indications of the performance
instruments. This technique permits you to read any one performance instrument during
a split-second glance and results in smooth and precise aircraft control.