Instrument takeoff refers to using what to maintain runway heading?

• A. Instruments rather than outside visual cues.
• B. Outside visual references.
• C. GPS navigation only.
• D. Radar heading cues.

Answer: (A)

Relying on the aircraft’s flight instruments to stay on the runway heading during takeoff. Instrument takeoff means you use the instruments—primarily the heading indicator to maintain the runway heading and the attitude indicator to control the climb attitude—rather than looking outside for cues. This is practiced when outside visual references are poor or unavailable, so you can maintain precise alignment with the runway and a safe climb using only your instruments.

Outside visual references would defeat the purpose since you’d be using visual cues from outside rather than instruments. GPS navigation is helpful for route and position, but it isn’t the method you rely on to maintain runway heading during an instrument takeoff. Radar heading cues aren’t a standard or primary method for this procedure either.