InstrumentsSystem Monitors
Suction Gauge
The suction gauge is an engine instrument that indicates the amount of vacuum pressure available to drive the pneumatically powered gyroscopic instruments. A zero or low reading indicates a failure of the vacuum pump or a system leak. When suction is lost, the artificial horizon and directional indicator will spool down and become unreliable.
Key Points
- •Monitors the vacuum system that powers the artificial horizon and directional indicator.
- •A zero reading means vacuum-driven gyros will spool down and become unreliable.
- •Does not typically affect electrically driven instruments such as the turn coordinator.
- •Pilots should cross-check the turn coordinator and magnetic compass if suction is lost.
Exam Relevance
Identifying which instruments will fail if the suction gauge reads zero is a common emergency procedures question.
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