Mini-X Installation, Setup & User Manual GRT Avionics
Revision A9 45
5.6 Attitude Indicator/Artificial Horizon
The Artificial Horizon is just that, a pictorial representation of the earth. The blue portion represents the sky;
the green or brown portion represents the ground. The Mini-X displays a computer generated representation
of the “view out the window” using GPS-based technology known as
synthetic vision
to enhance the
artificial horizon and make it more realistic. By adding details such as mountain peaks, runways, and obstacles
to the pilot’s instrument scan field of view, the system adds intuitive situational awareness even in low
visibility and instrument conditions. Other instruments add motion
sensing, trend vectors and environmental information to the scan as well,
providing an intuitive feel for the pilot. The total picture offered by the
artificial horizon consists of several graphical elements working together.
Attitude Reference Index
The Attitude Reference Index is always the in the same position relative
to the aircraft. The horizon line, pitch ladder and sky pointer move in
relation to it, providing the indications of pitch, roll, and “which way is
UP.”
The traditional attitude “bars” or “wings” can be replaced by a “nose”
indicator (shown at right). This small indicator concisely displays the nose position of the
aircraft relative to the horizon.
To select Nose or Bars (wings):
1. Access Set Menu > Primary Flight Display > Attitude Reference Index.
2. Select NOSE or BARS.
Pitch Ladder Offset
The Pitch Ladder is a portion of the artificial horizon that depicts the
pitch angle of the aircraft in relation to the horizon. It consists of
horizontal lines above and below the neutral horizon line. The ladder
rungs are in 5-degree increments. In the screenshot above right, the
pitch angle of the aircraft is about 2.5 degrees nose-high, as shown
by the Attitude Reference Index (bars) crossing halfway between the
first rung above the zero-pitch horizon line. In the screenshot at right,
note the white circle that marks the 90-degree pitch rung. This is visible
during a loop or hammerhead.
