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The Pitot-Static System: How It Works

Pilot Institute

As the name implies, the VSI shows the rate of the aircrafts climb or descent. It shows the rate of climb or descent in feet per minute. In the VSIs case, the static pressure enters the instrument through the static pressure line that you can see in the diagram. If theyre blocked, your instruments can give false or no readings.

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Flight Instruments vs. Avionics

WayMan

Attitude Indicator (Artificial Horizon): Shows the orientation (pitch and bank) of the aircraft relative to the horizon of the Earth, essential for instrument meteorological conditions flight. These traditional aircraft instruments, which are usually mechanical or electro-mechanical, present discrete, direct information.

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Always Have an Out: The SLD Incident

Photographic Logbook

Minimal IMC West of London, scattered clouds at my cruise altitude resulted in roughly thirty minutes of time in instrument meteorological conditions that also caused some unfortunately timed light chop. Toronto Center, Cherokee Four Eight One is picking up ice and needs a descent to 5,000 feet." Downtown London, Ontario.

OAT
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Accident Briefs—June 2025

Plane and Pilot

Recorded track data revealed that the pilot began a descent to the destination airport and crossed over the approach end of the runway on a heading perpendicular to the runway heading. Based on the meteorological information, clouds were likely present from 4,000 feet msl through 14,000 feet msl.

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The Different Types of Spatial Disorientation

Pilot Institute

” This is especially common when flying in IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) —like clouds or fog—when you can’t see outside. Narrow runway: Feels higher than you are, leading to a steep descent and faster landing. Why is this a big deal?

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Listen to Your Friends

Plane and Pilot

FlightAware showed a rapid vertical descent over Lake Winnipesaukee, then no more data. There were no medical conditions. The NTSB final report finds the probable cause to be loss of control during visual flight rules flight in night instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation. She said no.

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When To Go Around: 6 Scenarios Every Pilot Should Prepare For

Northstar VFR

No Visual References This scenario is particularly true for instrument pilots flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). There are several criteria that must be met for a pilot to descend below Decision Altitude/Decision Height (DA/DH) or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) on an instrument approach.