Definition
A control-and-performance scan concept used during instrument takeoff in which the attitude indicator is treated as the primary reference for pitch (nose attitude on initial climb) and as the supporting reference for bank (wings level), cross-checked against the heading indicator and turn coordinator. The pilot sets the takeoff pitch attitude on the attitude indicator and uses it as the main source of pitch information, while bank information from the same instrument is backed up by other bank instruments.
Plain English
On an instrument takeoff, you mainly look at the attitude indicator to set and hold the right nose-up climb angle. You also use it to keep the wings level, but you confirm wings-level by glancing at the heading indicator and turn coordinator as well.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument-takeoff scan diagrams, where a pilot must know which instrument information to trust first immediately after liftoff.
Derivation
In instrument flying, 'primary' means the instrument that gives the most direct, immediate information about a flight parameter, and 'supporting' means an instrument used alongside it to confirm or back it up. Applied here, the attitude indicator is the primary source for pitch information and a supporting source for bank information.
Why Pilots Care
Allows continued precise control of pitch and bank immediately after liftoff when visual references are lost, preventing altitude or heading deviations that could lead to loss of control.
Grounding Statement
On a dark or cloudy takeoff, this phrase tells the pilot which part of the instrument indication gets first priority for nose position and which part is only a backup check for wing tilt.
Intuition Check
Primary does not mean it is the only instrument to watch; it means it gets first priority for that control job. Supporting does not mean unimportant; it means it helps confirm the picture. Pitch here means nose up or nose down, and bank here means wing tilt.
Example Sentence 1
On the takeoff roll transitioning to climb, the instructor reminded the student to fly primary pitch and supporting bank, setting the climb attitude on the attitude indicator and cross-checking the heading indicator to keep the wings level.
Example Sentence 2
With the attitude indicator flagged inoperative, the crew maintained a constant climb by cross-checking primary pitch against supporting bank indications.