What does flying by attitude involve?

Flying by attitude involves visually establishing the aircraft's attitude. This concept refers to the pilot's ability to perceive and assess the orientation of the aircraft relative to the horizon and its intended flight path by using visual references outside the cockpit. It emphasizes the importance of the pilot’s visual cues, such as the horizon or other landmarks, to maintain control of the aircraft, especially when instruments may be unreliable or when flying in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.

When flying by attitude, pilots gain a clearer sense of the aircraft’s roll and pitch, which aids in making real-time adjustments to maintain stable flight. This skill is crucial for effective maneuvering and is particularly important in various weather conditions where instruments alone may not suffice for navigation and control.