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

AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005 69
recovery. The procedures outlined in this section are not designed for recovery from
controlled tactical maneuvers.
4.7.2.1. WARNING: It is imperative to immediately transition to instrument
references any time you become disoriented or when outside visual references
become unreliable.
4.7.3. Recognizing an Unusual Attitude. Normally, an unusual attitude is recognized in
one of two ways: an unusual attitude "picture" on the attitude indicator or unusual
performance on the performance instruments. Regardless of how the attitude is
recognized, verify that an unusual attitude exists by comparing control and performance
instrument indications prior to initiating recovery on the attitude indicator (Figure 4.16).
This precludes entering an unusual attitude as a result of making control movements to
correct for erroneous instrument indications. During this process, the attitude must be
correctly interpreted. Additional attitude indicating sources (stand by attitude indicator,
copilot's attitude indicator, etc.) should be used. In some aircraft the bank steering bar
(manual mode) may aid in maintaining level flight (refer to flight manual). If there is any
doubt as to proper attitude indicator operation, then recover using attitude indicator
inoperative procedures. The following techniques will aid aircraft attitude interpretation
on the attitude indicator.
Figure 4.16. Recognizing an Unusual Attitude.
4.7.3.1. Bank Scale At The Top. 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. Roll towards the bank pointer
to place it in the upper half of the case.
4.7.3.2. Bank Scale At The Bottom. For those attitude indicators with the bank scale
at the bottom, roll in the direction that will place the pitch reference scale right side
up.