Simviation Forums

You would think I would know by now, but what does OMI and its gauge mean and/or do? Also does the PITOT heater do anything and whats it for? Thanks, Wildie.

Not sure about OMI, but the Pitot tube is essential to the aircraft.  Whenever you are in freezing conditions, make sure that the pitot heat is turned on, or it tube may freeze over and if that happens, you will lose all airspeed indications.

OMI = Outer, Middle, Inner

These are the markers that are placed certain distances from the runway threshold, to tell you how close you are to it.  Not sure how often they should be paid attention to, but I use them all the time to come in for a landing.  Blue for Outer (about 2 miles out), yellow for Middle (about 1 mile) and red for Inner (about 1/2 mile).  Don't rely on those numbers.  I'm almost sure I'm totally wrong there, and each distance varies from airport to airport.

I use them as cues on when to initiate certain landing procedures.  When I cross the Outer marker, I lower the gear and drop the flaps the last notch, when I hit the Middle I cut back on the throttle and when I hit the Inner I get ready to flare and open the airbrakes.

If that is all wrong, I'm sorry, but its always worked for me.

Thanks Guys. I saw the OMI lights come on from time to time but never knew why. I'l try out the PITOT as well.

In FS, the pitot tube WILL ice over if you fly for a while in icing conditions, (twice on approach into SFO and once into DFW through a tstorm I've lost my airpseed indicator) so it's important.

If that is all wrong, I'm sorry, but its always worked for me.

You're close..

Outer markers are typically 5 miles out.. Middle markers 1/2 mile and inner markers are REAL close to the threshold.  By the time you hear it you're there.