What is the procedure for handling a malfunctioning instrument?

When faced with a malfunctioning instrument, the most appropriate response is to cross-check with backup instruments and follow abnormal procedures to address the failure. This is essential for ensuring flight safety and maintaining situational awareness in the cockpit. By utilizing backup instruments, pilots can confirm whether the malfunction is genuine and not a momentary glitch. Following established abnormal procedures provides a structured approach to deal with the malfunction effectively, allowing the crew to implement corrective actions or mitigate any risks associated with the failure.

Ignoring the issue while monitoring other instruments can lead to greater risk, as the pilot might miss critical information or changes in the flight situation. Turning off all instruments would eliminate essential data and could worsen the situation in flight. Reporting the problem only after the flight does not address immediate safety concerns and can endanger the crew and passengers. Therefore, the correct method emphasizes proactive measures to ensure safety while clearly defining processes for coping with instrument malfunctions.