Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

In straight-and-level flight, a common error students make is:

1. Establishing correct attitude using instruments instead of outside references

2. Using pressure on flight controls for attitude change

3. Using engine power to correct airspeed deviation

The correct answer is: Establishing correct attitude using instruments instead of outside references

Students often focus exclusively on their instruments to establish the correct flight attitude when flying straight and level. While instruments are important for maintaining a proper attitude, relying solely on them can lead to a disconnection from external references, which are crucial for spatial awareness and overall situational awareness in flight. Recognizing external visual references—like the horizon or the ground—provides crucial context that instruments alone cannot. Properly using external references helps pilots maintain an accurate perception of their aircraft's attitude relative to the horizon, which is essential for flying smoothly and safely. This reliance on instruments might result in over-controlling or an incorrect perception of the aircraft's orientation. In contrast, using pressure on flight controls for attitude change can be a valid technique for making gentle adjustments, and using engine power to correct airspeed deviations is a normal part of managing flight parameters. These methods, when employed correctly, can contribute to better performance in maintaining stable flight.