If you notice inconsistent attitude indicator readings compared with the turn coordinator during a turn, what is the recommended action?

• A. Ignore and continue.
• B. Rely on one instrument only.
• C. Treat as a potential instrument failure and perform cross-checks using other references.
• D. Contact ATC for a request to test instruments.

Answer: (C)

When two flight instruments give conflicting indications about the aircraft’s attitude during a turn, it signals a possible instrument or gyro failure. The safest response is to treat it as a potential failure and cross-check with other available references to confirm the actual attitude and turn. Use the standby attitude indicator if you have one, and verify against the heading indicator or magnetic compass and any outside visual references you can rely on. Relying on a single instrument in this situation can lead to misinterpretation of bank and turn, so the emphasis is on confirming with multiple sources rather than trusting one reading. ATC isn’t a substitute for instrument reliability testing, so you’d handle this by re-verifying with the other references and, if necessary, following appropriate instrument-failure procedures to maintain safe flight.