British Fighters -reduced engine power

Originally Posted by 41Sqn_Banks

Sorry but the artificial horizon is no indication for flying straight and level. The rate of climb indicator gives you a clue but the only exact way is to watch repeatetly at the altimeter.

The magentic compass only shows the exact heading if there is no acceleration. So you have fly straight and level at constant speed.

The direction indicator has to be set by the pilot to the heading read from the magnatic compass every 10-15 minutes.

So why did they make artifical horizons and rely on them to this day?

[Baron]

Originally Posted by BigPickle

So why did they make artifical horizons and rely on them to this day?

Well, i dont think they do. During violent manoeuvres for ex, some artificial horizons are useless. Takes them forever to catch up so to speak. If u do a looping for ex, when u are at the end and flying level again, the artificial horizon can tell u u are still up side down.

[41Sqn_Banks]

Originally Posted by BigPickle

So why did they make artifical horizons and rely on them to this day?

The artificial horizon only shows the attitude of the aircraft related to the ground. It doesn't show the movement of the aircraft related to the ground.

The aircraft can be parallel to the ground but depending on the speed it may be descending or climbing.

Also the compass can show to north but slip and crosswind may alter your course.