Page 23 - Failure to Triumph - Journey of A Student

Air Speed Indicator. This instrument provides the speed of the air which is a vital
parameter for flying operation. This instrument will provide the indicated Air Speed which
is required to be corrected for certain instrument and positional errors to arrive at True Air
Speed in kilometres or miles.

Altimeter. This instrument provides the height at which the aircraft is flying. It is measured

in feet or yard. This instrument has three needles like a wrist watch. Of this, the smallest
needle indicates height in multiples of 10,000 feet, the middle needle indicates height in
multiples of 1,000 feet and the larger needle indicates height in multiples of 100 feet.

Artificial Horizon. This instrument provides a reference in terms of horizon for indicating
climb, descent, right turn and left turn of the aircraft.

Turn Indicator. This instrument indicates the turn on either side of the aircraft. In turning
left, the black ball remains in the middle and the white needle moves right, and when

turning right the needle shifts to the left.

Climb and Descent Indicator. This instrument indicates the position of the aircraft in terms
of climb or descent. When the aircraft is climbing, the needle moves upwards and when the
aircraft is descending the needle moves down.

Light Control Test

In this test, the candidate is made to sit in front of a CRT monitor. The chartered path of the flight is

defined in that and the candidate is asked to fly along the chartered path by keeping the light which
represents the aircraft on the monitor, on the chartered path. The instrument will simulate real time
situations of losing height, tilting etc. and the candidate is expected to control using joystick, foot
pedals and lift lever which are similar to actual controls available on board an aircraft.

Drum Test

This is another test to check the control/motor skills of the candidate. In this, there is a drum of about
eight feet length and one foot diameter. There are lines marked on the surface of the drum with some

holes on each line. The candidate is given a knob to control which is very sensitive. The drum is
rotated and the candidate is expected to align the knob with the lines on the drum as it rotates. Since
the knob is very sensitive, it is not so easy to do this. Only candidates who have very good reflexes
will be able to do that. This aptitude is required to maintain the flight under normal and turbulent
weather conditions when the wind velocity disturbs the night trajectory and even causes the flight to
lose height suddenly.

While the above tests have been described to some extent, it is not possible to explain the entire

thing as it is very unconventional and unfamiliar. Further, there is no way that a candidate can practice
and improve his performance and hence it suffices to know the broad details of this test.