Avionics and instruments: Difference between revisions

→‎Directional Gyro: Complete merge
(→‎Directional Gyro: Merging Heading bug here have been suggested)
(→‎Directional Gyro: Complete merge)
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=== Directional Gyro ===
=== Directional Gyro ===
{{mergefrom|Heading bug}}


[[File:Directional-gyro.png|Gyro of default Cesna|right]]
[[File:Directional-gyro.png|frame|Heading bug on North, the red knob can rotate the bug across the compass rose.]]


The name of this instrument describes the 2 essential parts of its characteristics:
The name of this instrument describes the 2 essential parts of its characteristics:
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* it can be set to point to the geographic north pole, not of the magnetic pole as the magnetic compass does.
* it can be set to point to the geographic north pole, not of the magnetic pole as the magnetic compass does.
* it does not have the tendency to lag behind or ahead while turning, as the magentic compass does.  
* it does not have the tendency to lag behind or ahead while turning, as the magnetic compass does.  
* it is not subject to magnetic influences. The magnetic compass can point in a slightly off direction due to heavy metal objects on or near the aircraft.  
* it is not subject to magnetic influences. The magnetic compass can point in a slightly off direction due to heavy metal objects on or near the aircraft.  


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* It is heavier than a magnetic compass  
* It is heavier than a magnetic compass  
* It requires a source of power, either electricity or vacuum. If the power source fails, the DG will fail. Because the gyro spins down slowly, it will slowy drift off heading. If the pilot does not notice that the vacuum or elctrical system has failed, he may not realize that the DG has failed. This can lead a pilot off course.
* It requires a source of power, either electricity or vacuum. If the power source fails, the DG will fail. Because the gyro spins down slowly, it will slowly drift off heading. If the pilot does not notice that the vacuum or electrical system has failed, he may not realize that the DG has failed. This can lead a pilot off course.
* Gyros precess over time, and must be periodically realigned with the magnetic compass, usually every fifteen minutes.
* Gyros precess over time, and must be periodically realigned with the magnetic compass, usually every fifteen minutes.
* Turbulence or maneuvering can "tumble" the gyro, resulting in wildly erratic readings.
* Turbulence or manoeuvring can "tumble" the gyro, resulting in wildly erratic readings.
 
==== Heading Bug ====
DG's often have a heading bug, controlled by a knob. This bug is a visual indicator of the desired course to fly. It enables the pilot to visually ensure that they are on their desired heading, and may also be coupled to the autopilot to select the heading which the autopilot will steer to.


=== Attitude Indicator ===
=== Attitude Indicator ===
842

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