What instruments are essential for instrument flight in the TH-73A?

• A. Altimeter, airspeed indicator, and compass
• B. Attitude indicator, airspeed indicator, and altimeter
• C. Airspeed indicator, heading indicator, and altimeter
• D. GPS, altimeter, and airspeed indicator

Answer: (B)

The attitude indicator, airspeed indicator, and altimeter are critical instruments for instrument flight in the TH-73A for several reasons.

The attitude indicator provides essential information about the aircraft's orientation in space relative to the horizon. This is particularly important during instrument flight where visual references are often limited or absent, as it helps the pilot maintain proper aircraft control and prevent dangerous situations such as inadvertently entering a stall or losing control due to improper pitch or bank angles.

The airspeed indicator is vital for maintaining safe and appropriate flight speeds. It informs the pilot whether the aircraft is operating within its performance limits and is particularly essential for managing lift during turns and climbs or descents, as well as during approach and landing phases.

The altimeter provides altitude information crucial for all phases of flight, especially in maintaining safe vertical separation from terrain and other aircraft. Accurate altitude readings are necessary for adherence to altitude assignments from air traffic control, and it helps prevent controlled flight into terrain or obstacles.

Together, these three instruments form the backbone of the required flight instrumentation that allows pilots to operate effectively under instrument flight rules (IFR), ensuring safety and precision even when visibility is compromised.