Which statement best defines attitude instrument flying?

• A. Flying visually using outside horizon references.
• B. Controlling by reference to the instruments.
• C. Relying on ATC instructions for attitude control.
• D. Using autopilot to maintain attitude.

Answer: (B)

Attitude instrument flying means piloting by reference to the cockpit instruments to maintain the aircraft’s orientation (pitch and bank) when you don’t have clear outside visual cues. In instrument conditions, you rely on the attitude indicator as the primary source of attitude information and confirm it with other instruments like the altimeter, airspeed, and heading to keep a stable flight path and proper altitude. The key idea is using the instruments to control the airplane, rather than depending on the horizon you can see outside. Autopilot can help manage attitude, but the concept centers on manual control guided by instrument readings. Flying by outside horizon cues is visual flight, and simply following ATC instructions won’t by itself establish or maintain the aircraft’s attitude.