Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What is the first fundamental skill in attitude instrument flying?

1. Aircraft control.

2. Instrument cross-check.

3. Instrument interpretation.

4. Flight planning.

The correct answer is: Instrument cross-check.

In the context of attitude instrument flying, the first fundamental skill is instrument cross-check. This skill involves the ability to scan and interpret the various flight instruments quickly and accurately to maintain proper aircraft control and situational awareness. A proficient cross-check is essential for recognizing and reacting appropriately to the aircraft's attitude and performance, especially when visual references are unavailable or unreliable. Effective instrument cross-checking allows pilots to assimilate information from various instruments, such as the attitude indicator, altimeter, and airspeed indicator, to maintain desired flight parameters. In instrument flight, the emphasis is on continually assessing the aircraft's position and performance in relation to the flight plan and maintaining control through coordinated inputs to the aircraft's controls. While aircraft control, instrument interpretation, and flight planning are all critical competencies for instrument flying, they rely heavily on a pilot's ability to cross-check instruments effectively. Without a well-executed cross-check, a pilot may struggle to maintain accurate control of the aircraft, leading to a higher risk of errors during flight. Thus, instrument cross-check is foundational for ensuring safe and effective instrument flight.