Joined: Feb 20, 2008 Posts: 1059 Location: New York
Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:44 am Post subject: PIO
Vortex,
Let me see if I can make it a bit simpler. Think of a PIO as an aircraft flying up and down like a roller coaster. This can be caused by two things: Stuctrual instability (which we will not discuss now), and the pilot inputs to the control system.
The most common situation when this occurs is when the pilot looses the "real horizon" and exaggerates control inputs chasing the altimeter in an effort to find level flight.
A new pilot still learning can also enter PIO while learning to scan outside, or later on, interpreting instrument indications on the altimeter or vertical speed indicator.
If the PIO is not halted, the aircraft can go out of control, or suffer severe structural damage if it encounters stong turbulance.
I would say that PIO occurs more in fixed wing aircraft then helicopters. _________________ "A Copter Pilot's Life has it's... ups and downs"
Bell 47-206, Schweizer 300/500, Citation 525
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