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

46
AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
3.3.8. Performance Instrument Attention. A proper and relative amount of attention
must be given to each performance instrument. Pilots seldom fail to observe the one
performance instrument whose indication is most important. The reverse is a common
error because pilots often devote so much attention to one performance instrument that
the others are omitted from the crosscheck. Additionally, they often fail to crosscheck
the attitude indicator for proper aircraft control.
3.3.9. Cross-Check Analysis.
3.3.9.1. Incorrect crosscheck. An incorrect crosscheck can be recognized by
analyzing certain symptoms of aircraft control. Insufficient reference to the control
instruments is readily recognizable. If you do not have some definite attitude and
power indications in mind and the other instruments fluctuate erratically through the
desired indications, then you are not referring sufficiently to the control instruments.
Imprecise aircraft control usually results in "chasing" the indications.
3.3.9.2. Control Instrument Fixation. The problem of too much attention being
devoted to the control instruments is rarely encountered, except for fixation on the
power indicators. This is normally caused by your desire to maintain the performance
indications within close tolerances. Positive and continuous inputs based only on the
control instruments are not sufficient for maintaining the desired parameters; a
systematic crosscheck of the performance instruments is also required.
3.3.9.3. Scanning Process. An incorrect crosscheck can result in the omission of or
insufficient reference to one or more instruments during the scanning process. You
may omit some performance instruments from the crosscheck, although other
performance instruments and the control instruments are being properly observed.
For example, during a climb or descent, you may become so engrossed with pitch
attitude control that you fail to observe an error in aircraft heading.
3.3.9.4. Indications. The indications on some instruments are not as "eye-catching"
as those on other instruments. For example, a 4° heading change is not as "eyecatching"
as a 300 to 400 feet per minute change on the vertical velocity indicator.
Through deliberate effort and proper habit, ensure that all the instruments are
included in your crosscheck. If this is accomplished, you will observe deviations on
the performance instruments in their early stages.
3.3.9.5. Analyzing the Crosscheck Technique. Analyzing the crosscheck technique
will assist you in improving an incorrect crosscheck. A correct crosscheck results in
the continuous interpretation of the flight instruments that enables you to maintain
proper aircraft control at all times. Remember, rapidly looking from one instrument
to another without interpretation is of no value. Instrument systems and the location
of the flight instruments vary. Pilot ability also varies. Therefore, you should
develop your own rate and sequence of checking the instruments that will ensure a
timely and correct interpretation of the flight instruments.
3.3.10. Adjusting Attitude and Power. As previously stated, the control and performance
concept of attitude instrument flying requires the adjustment of aircraft attitude and
power to achieve the desired performance. A change of aircraft attitude or power is
required when any indication other than that desired is observed on the performance