What is the primary focus of attitude instrument flying?

The primary focus of attitude instrument flying is controlling the aircraft by reference to instruments. In conditions where visual cues from outside are limited or nonexistent—such as in low visibility or cloud cover pilots rely on their instruments to maintain control of the aircraft. This method is essential for ensuring that the flight is conducted safely and effectively, as it allows pilots to manage the aircraft’s orientation (pitch, roll, and yaw) and ensure that they are flying the desired flight path.

In attitude instrument flying, pilots use instruments like the attitude indicator, altimeter, and heading indicator to make informed decisions rather than relying on visual observations. This skill is vital for flying in adverse weather conditions or during night flights when external visual references are not available. Thus, option B underscores the critical importance of instrument proficiency in maintaining safety and control during flight.

The other choices focus on elements that are not central to the practice of attitude instrument flying, such as visual cues and manual navigation techniques, which are not relied on during instrument flying.