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

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
Figure 4.5. Bank Control.
4.3.1.3. Establishing And Maintaining A Desired Airspeed. Maintaining a desired
airspeed requires smooth and precise cyclic inputs to maintain a specific pitch
attitude. This ability is developed through proper use of the attitude indicator and is
simplified by good trim techniques.
4.3.1.3.1. Adjusting Attitude Indicator. After leveling off at cruise airspeed, you
may adjust the pitch trim knob on the attitude indicator so that the miniature
aircraft is aligned with the horizon bar. This will aid in observing small pitch
changes. Subsequent readjustments may be required because of the changes in
aircraft center of gravity and cruise airspeeds.
4.3.1.3.2. Small Corrections. The small corrections required to maintain a
desired airspeed are made in degrees of pitch. With practice you can determine
what pitch attitude adjustments are required to produce the desired rate of
correction.
4.3.1.3.3. Pitch Adjustments. When you make these pitch adjustments, airspeed
and vertical velocity indications will lag behind changes of pitch attitude. This
lag should be recognized and accepted as an inherent error in the differential
pressure instruments. Because of this error, do not make a premature decision
that the pitch change is ineffective. This can lure you into over controlling the
pitch attitude.
4.3.1.3.4. Changes of Airspeed. Changes of airspeed in straight and level flight
are accomplished by adjusting the pitch attitude and power. To increase airspeed,
decrease the pitch attitude to a predetermined number of degrees and increase
power to maintain altitude. When airspeed approaches the desired indication,
adjust pitch to a setting that will maintain the new airspeed and adjust power to
maintain altitude. To reduce airspeed, increase the pitch attitude to a
predetermined number of degrees and reduce power to maintain altitude. When
the airspeed approaches the desired indication, adjust pitch to a setting that will
maintain the new airspeed and adjust power to maintain altitude.