What is horizon reference used for in instrument flight?

The horizon reference is crucial in instrument flight as it assists pilots in maintaining level flight. When flying in conditions where visual references outside the aircraft are limited due to weather or other factors, the instruments take precedence. The horizon reference helps the pilot understand the aircraft’s orientation in relation to the true horizon, ensuring that they can achieve and maintain the desired altitude and level attitude. This is particularly important for avoiding unintentional climbs or descents, which can lead to dangerous situations.

In instrument flying, the horizon reference is utilized in conjunction with the artificial horizon or attitude indicator, which displays the aircraft's orientation with respect to the actual horizon. By aligning the aircraft's wings with the horizon bar on the instrument, pilots can maintain straight and level flight even when they are unable to see outside the cockpit. This is essential for safe navigation and control when flying in low visibility conditions. Therefore, maintaining proper horizon reference contributes significantly to effective aircraft control during flight.