configurations. The horizon reference point is always being  the same, no matter what altitude, since the point is always on  the horizon, although the distance to the horizon will be further  as altitude increases. There are multiple horizontal reference  lines due to the pitch attitude requirements of the maneuver;  however, these teaching aids are generally needed for only  a short period of time until the beginning pilot understands  where and when to look during the various maneuvers. the pilot understanding the effect and use of the flight controls,  properly using the visual outside references, and the utilization  of snap-shots from the flight instruments in a continuous loop  of information gathering. A pilot must make effective, timely,  and proportional corrections for deviations in the airplane’s  direction and altitude from unintentional slight turns, descents,  and climbs to master straight-and-level flight. Straight-and-level flight is a matter of consciously fixing the  relationship of a reference point on the airplane in relation  to the natural horizon.  [Figure 3-6]  The establishment of  reference points should be initiated on the ground as the  reference points depends on the pilot’s seating position,  height, and manner of sitting. It is important that the pilot sit  in a normal manner with the seat position adjusted, which  allows for the pilot to see adequately over the instrument  panel while being able to fully depress the rudder pedals to  their maximum forward position without straining or reaching.  Maintaining a constant direction or heading is accomplished  by visually checking the lateral level relationship of the  airplane’s wingtips to the natural horizon. Depending on  whether the airplane is a high wing or low wing, both wingtips  should be level and equally above or below the natural horizon.  Any necessary bank corrections are made with the pilot’s  coordinated use of ailerons and rudder.  [Figure 3-7]  The  pilot should understand that anytime the wings are banked,  the airplane turns. The objective of straight flight is to detect  small deviations as soon as they occur, thereby necessitating  only minor flight control corrections. The bank attitude  information can also be obtained from a quick scan of the  attitude indicator (which shows the position of the airplane’s  wings relative to the horizon) and the heading indicator (which  indicates whether flight control pressure is necessary to change  the bank attitude to return to straight flight).  With beginner pilots, a flight instructor will likely use a dry  erase marker or removable tape to make reference lines on  the windshield or cowling to help the beginner pilot establish  visual reference points. Vertical reference lines are best  established on the ground, such as when the airplane is placed  on a marked centerline, with the beginner pilot seated in proper  position. Horizontal reference lines are best established with  the airplane in flight, such as during slow flight and cruise  Straight Flight Figure 3-6.  Nose reference for straight-and-level flight.  3-7 OBS N E S W 3 33 24 21 15 12 30 6 NAV GS OBS N E S W 3 33 24 21 15 12 30 6 33 30 24 21 15 12 6 3 W S E N HDG OBS N E S W 3 33 24 21 15 12 30 6 NAV GS OBS N E S W 3 33 24 21 15 12 30 6 33 3 N XPDR 5537 IDNT LCL  10:12:34 VOR 1 270 ° 2 1 1 2 4 300 4 200 4 100 4 000 3 900 3 800 4300 3600 3500 3400 3300 3200 3100 60 20 000 130 120 110 90 80 70 1 100 9 TAS 106KT OAT 7°C ALERTS NAV1 108.00 113.00 NAV2 108.00 110.60 134.000 118.000 COM1 123.800 118.000 COM2 $_{WPT }$_ _ _ _ _ _$_{ DIS }$_ _ ._ $_{NM}$ $_{DTK }$_ _ _$_{°}$ TRK 360° XPDR 553 7 IDNT LCL  10 :12: 34 VOR 1 270 ° 2 1 1 2 4 300 4 200 4 100 4 000 3 900 3 800 4300 3600 3500 3400 3300 3200 3100 60 20 000 130 120 110 90 80 70 1 100 9 TAS 106 KT OAT 7° C ALERTS NAV1 108.00 113.00 NAV2 108.00 110.60 134.000 118.000 COM1 123.800 118.000 COM2 WPT  _ _ _ _ _$_{ DIS }$_ _ ._ $_{NM}$ $_{DTK }$_ _ _$_{°}$ TRK 360° 270 ° 2 1 1 2 4 300 4 200 4 100 4 000 3 900 3 800 2300 60 20 000 130 120 110 90 80 70 1 100 9 TAS 100 KT NAV1 108.00 113.00 NAV2 110.60 134.000 118.000 COM1 123.800 118.000 COM2 $_{WPT }$_ _ _ _ _ _$_{ DIS}$ _ _ ._ $_{NM}$ $_{DTK }$_ _ _$_{°}$ TRK 360° MAP - NAVIGATION MAP A212I HDG UP Straight-and-level flight Straight-and-level flight Fixed Fixed Natural horizon reference point Natural horizon reference point