Thanks all for the insight/answers to my gyro/AHRS question - I knew there had to be more to the gyro instruments that what’s in the traditional Gleim or Jep books, but I’ve never had one apart (yet).

 

So, on a long climb from seal level to 15,000 ft @ 1,500 fpm (i.e. 10 minutes), would I expect the attitude indicator to eventually read level, even though I might still be pitched up several degrees and likewise but opposite on a similar long descent?  Probably not critical as the AI is not the primary pitch instrument during an IFR climb (either airspeed or vertical speed is), but an interesting error to be aware of (and perhaps good for free softdrink bet at the local hanger bar).

 

Also, what would happen in a protracted IFR holding pattern with short legs (i.e. where as much time is spent in the turns as in the straights).  Seems the roll indication would eventually be off by as much as 25% of the true roll angle if I kept holding long enough.  Perhaps a good reason for two minute or longer legs???

 

Furthermore, how do the gyros on Space Ship One (or the shuttle for that matter) work on re-entry.  Do they need a period of stable/straight (VFR) flight to let the gyro’s re-capture the correct gravitational bias for roll (and/or pitch)?  Perhaps not critical since they aren’t doing IFR approaches, but perhaps they are doing IFR descents at some point on the way down.

 

p.s. Brent, with a name like Richard Titsworth, I’ve been called much worst than an inquisitive idiot (no offense taken).