Flight Instruments and Failure Recognition

Episode: 7

Version: 0.1.4
Source verification: FAA links, cited pages, claim relevance, and show-note mappings reviewed 2026-08-24.

In this episode

• Trace the pressure sources behind the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical-speed indicator.
• Recognize why a blocked pitot source and a blocked static source create different instrument stories.
• Connect gyro behavior and power sources to useful cross-checks.
• Separate magnetic variation, aircraft-specific deviation, dip-related compass errors, and oscillation.
• Practice reading an abnormal indication by its source and failure path rather than following one gauge alone.

Study materials and visual aids

• Private Pilot ACS: instrument systems and failures
• Private Pilot ACS: basic instrument cross-check
• Pitot-static pressure sources — PHAK Chapter 8
• Pitot and static blockage indication patterns — PHAK Chapter 8
• Pitch, airspeed, and altitude trade — Airplane Flying Handbook Chapter 4
• Electronic flight displays and air-data inputs — PHAK Chapter 8
• Gyroscopic principles — PHAK Chapter 8
• Gyro power sources and turn indicators — PHAK Chapter 8
• Turn coordinator and inclinometer — PHAK Chapter 8
• Heading instruments and AHRS — PHAK Chapter 8
• Magnetic compass, variation, and deviation — PHAK Chapter 8
• Compass correction card — PHAK Chapter 8
• Compass dip, acceleration, and turning errors — PHAK Chapter 8
• Compass oscillation — PHAK Chapter 8

Correction status

This is a study resource. Corrections and source updates are recorded in the episode production log before a revised version is published. Submit a source correction through the repository issue form or email [email protected]. Do not send credentials, private documents, or personal flight information.