Turn Coordinator

T

teasley84

Well-Known Member
What's the best way to describe why the canted position of the gyro allows for indications of rate of roll and rate of turn?
 
You can try to relate it to how the gyro in the DG is mounted, it senses/reacts to rotation about the vertical axis (yaw) only. The canted angle allows the instrument to sense yaw AND roll, since you generally start a turn with roll input. That's the only way I could really try to present it without telling them what instructors told me: "It just does."
 
I use a CD as my gyroscope and hold it between my index and middle finger. First, I hold my fingers horizontally like a Turn & Slip. I show the student how the resultant force of roll is blocked by the gimbal (my fingers). Then I tilt my fingers and show how the resultant force of roll can now freely move the gyro.

*Note: the student must actually understand precession for this to work.
 
The vacuum pump spins a gyro, witchcraft happens, and you can tell where you're going and stuff
 
The best way to "Show" a gyro I have found, is to use a spoke from a bicycle wheel. Great example of precession and rigidity in space.
 
Sorry. In years of flying and instructing I have never run into a situation where knowing how a TC worked (other than what powers it), helped in any way. As a matter of fact I have flown numerous aircraft IFR that did not even have one.
 
Blackhawk said:
Sorry. In years of flying and instructing I have never run into a situation where knowing how a TC worked (other than what powers it), helped in any way. As a matter of fact I have flown numerous aircraft IFR that did not even have one.
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...and that makes you special?

These folks are trying to have a conversation about a subject you obviously think no one needs to know about. Let'em be.
 
nosehair said:
...and that makes you special?

These folks are trying to have a conversation about a subject you obviously think no one needs to know about. Let'em be.
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Because as CFIs we should spend time on the things that truly matter. Time is an asset and should not be wasted. Now if someone is just curious, great. But too often something like this turns into "better know" instead of "neat to know".
 
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