Instrument Scan Pattern

[Bearfoot]

Is there a standard scan pattern?

 

If so, what's the pattern -- (analog) VSI, speed, altitude, and then up to front, and then down again?

 

Does the scan pattern change when in cruise vs landing?

 

While landing, I find myself getting hung up on the digital VSI on the HUD instead of the analog VSI on the console. It's just so much more convenient to look at than the heads down gauge. Problem is that it throws off my scan, as I have to then switch down to get speed and altitude.

 

What do you folks do? Stick to the analog gauges all the way?

[bear.is.flying]

During the Case I:

 

Attitude - AOA - Attitude - VSI - Attitude - AOA - Attitude - VSI - Attitude..

 

On final:

 

BALL - AOA - LINEUP - BALL - AOA - LINEUP

[Bearfoot]

During the Case I:

 

Attitude - AOA - Attitude - VSI - Attitude - AOA - Attitude - VSI - Attitude..

 

On final:

 

BALL - AOA - LINEUP - BALL - AOA - LINEUP

 

For "Attitude" is this the VDI or the spherical indicator?

 

For the VSI is this the HUD or the analog dial?

[AG-51_Sabot]

Dan Pedersen, author of "Topgun, An American Story" stated that his scan in the 14 was;

 

Altitude

Heading

Airspeed

Bank

Velocity Vector

 

He founded the Navy's Topgun Program, so he may know something.

[bear.is.flying]

For "Attitude" is this the VDI or the spherical indicator?

 

 

 

For the VSI is this the HUD or the analog dial?

 

 

 

VDI and Analog Dial.

 

For the VSI don’t linger to read the numbers. You’re just glancing at the needle position.

[Victory205]

Dan Pedersen, author of "Topgun, An American Story" stated that his scan in the 14 was;

 

Altitude

Heading

Airspeed

Bank

Velocity Vector

 

He founded the Navy's Topgun Program, so he may know something.

 

Dan never flew the F-14, nor any aircraft that sported a velocity vector AFAIK.

[eatthis]

i cant see the damn ball!

[VampireNZ]

i cant see the damn ball!

 

It is pretty tricky in VR to see the ball turning into the groove - just make sure you have the ILS sorted and as you approach the groove you will pickup the glideslope bar and this will give you a good indication of your height until you can see the ball clearly.

Personally I can't reliably use the ball until about 1/4 mile from the boat, and that is with the 'bigger meatball' mod...but I am pretty old and the old Mk I's aren't what they used to be.

[Lightswitch]

Not sure about military flying but in RL commercial flying you just scan what makes sense to you and what you’re comfortable with. You always scan the same instruments but everyone develops their own method.

[VF31_Subsonic]

Dan never flew the F-14, nor any aircraft that sported a velocity vector AFAIK.

 

 

 

 

Interesting.... Love having legit guys from the Brownshoe Navy here.

I'll add...there is often more than one "right"way to fly and airplane.

 

 

Thanks for all you add to this community Victory.

[AG-51_Sabot]

Dan never flew the F-14, nor any aircraft that sported a velocity vector AFAIK.

 

I'm just quoting what he stated.

 

Re-edit - Victory is correct, he stated Vertical Velocity Gage

Edited August 31, 2019 by AG-51_Sabot