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## Gyroscopic Instruments 

Gyroscopic instruments are found in virtually all modern airplanes but are infrequently found in gliders. Self-launching gliders often have one or more gyroscopic instruments on the panel. Gliders without power rarely have gyroscopic instruments installed. The three gyroscopic instruments found most frequently in a glider are the heading indicator, attitude indicator, and turn coordinator. 

## G-Meter 

Another instrument that can be mounted in the instrument panel of a glider is a G-meter. G-meters register positive G forces from climbs and turns, as well as negative G forces when diving down or pushing over from a climb. The G-meter measures and displays the load imposed on the glider during flight. During straight, unaccelerated flight in calm air, a glider experiences a load factor of 1 G (1.0 times the force of gravity). During aerobatics or during flight in turbulent air, the glider and pilot experience G-loads greater than 1 G. These additional loads result from accelerations imposed on the glider. Some of these accelerations result from external sources, such as flying into updrafts or downdrafts. Other accelerations arise from pilot input on the controls, such as pulling back or pushing forward on the control stick. G-loads are classified as positive or negative. 

Positive G is felt when increasing pitch rapidly for a climb. Negative G is felt when pushing over into a dive or during sustained inverted flight. Each glider type is designed to withstand a specified maximum positive G-load and a specified maximum negative G-load. The GFM/POH is the definitive source for this information. Exceeding the allowable limit loads may result in deformation of the glider structure. In extreme cases, exceeding permissible limit loads may cause structural failure of the glider. The G-meter allows the pilot to monitor G-loads from moment to moment. This is useful in aerobatic flight and during flight in rough air. Most G-meters also record and display the maximum positive G-load and the maximum negative G-load encountered during flight. The recorded maximum positive and negative G-loads can be reset by adjusting the control knob of the G-meter. [Figure 4-31] 

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