View Full Version : VSI indicating descent during rotation
Capt. Manuvar
19th Feb 2008, 10:28
Why do you get a (approx 500fpm) descent indication during rotation? This has always puzzled me.
Instrument Pressure Error - research a BA Vanguard crash at Heathrow (a while back) and it will be explained.
Chris Scott
19th Feb 2008, 11:11
October 1965 at LHR. (G-APEB?) Go-around in fog. Highlighted the dangers of excessive reliance on the VSI. The pilot over-rotated, stalling the Vanguard. [The accident also resulted in the concept of an "Approach Ban" if the RVR is below limits, initially 600m for a (Cat. I) ILS.]
On T/O, "ground effect" at rotation also has something to do with the VSI dipping. ILVSIs (instant lapse) and "inertial" VSIs have reduced the problem.
keithl
20th Feb 2008, 11:51
Just to amplify previous answers a little (may save you having to research), if the static source senses an increase in pressure it will interpret this as a descent. However the pressure increase may have been caused by the change in airflow as the aircraft rotates.
That's as far as I'm gonna go!!
tristar 500
20th Feb 2008, 13:33
October 1965 at LHR. (G-APEB?)
Was actually G-APEE, I unfortunatly heard it but didn`t know next day RIP
Tristar 500