Definition
The initial phase of the instrument cross-check in which the pilot establishes a systematic pattern of looking from one flight instrument to another to gather the information needed to control the aircraft. It is the deliberate beginning of the continuous scan technique used in attitude instrument flying, typically anchored on the attitude indicator and moving outward to the supporting performance instruments.
Plain English
It is the moment a pilot begins their organised pattern of glancing across the flight instruments, rather than staring at any single one. The pilot starts on a main instrument and then moves their eyes in a planned sequence to read the others.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument flying when a pilot begins or re-establishes an instrument scan, especially after looking outside, changing tasks, or noticing that attention has drifted.
Derivation
Scan' comes from the Latin scandere, meaning to climb or to examine step by step. In instrument flying it carries that step-by-step sense: the eyes move through the instruments in an ordered sequence rather than darting randomly.
Why Pilots Care
Initiating the scan promptly prevents spatial disorientation and loss of control in instrument conditions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “scan” as simply “look around.” In instrument flying, starting the scan means beginning a disciplined instrument-checking pattern, not moving your eyes at random.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off in the clouds, the student began starting the scan at the attitude indicator before checking heading and altitude.
Example Sentence 2
The student practiced starting the scan immediately upon losing visual references to maintain level flight.