Which instruments, in addition to the attitude indicator, are pitch instruments?

Which instruments, in addition to the attitude indicator, are pitch instruments?

• A. Altimeter, airspeed indicator, and vertical speed indicator
• B. Altimeter and airspeed only
• C. Altimeter, airspeed indicator, and vertical speed indicator
• D. Altimeter, VSI only

Answer: (D)

Pitch information refers to how the aircraft nose is positioned relative to the horizon and how the airplane climbs or descends. The attitude indicator already shows pitch, so the other instruments that provide vertical-plane information are the altimeter and the vertical speed indicator. The altimeter measures altitude, which is the aircraft’s vertical position. As you climb or descend, the altitude changes, so this instrument tells you about your pitch activity in terms of vertical position over time. The vertical speed indicator shows how quickly you’re changing altitude (rate of climb or descent). A positive VSI means climbing (nose up), a negative VSI means descending (nose down); this is a direct measure of vertical movement tied to pitch changes. Airspeed indicator doesn’t convey pitch information; it shows speed through the air and can be affected by pitch indirectly, but it isn’t a pitch instrument. So the instruments that function as pitch indicators alongside the attitude indicator are the altimeter and VSI only.

Pitch information refers to how the aircraft nose is positioned relative to the horizon and how the airplane climbs or descends. The attitude indicator already shows pitch, so the other instruments that provide vertical-plane information are the altimeter and the vertical speed indicator.

The altimeter measures altitude, which is the aircraft’s vertical position. As you climb or descend, the altitude changes, so this instrument tells you about your pitch activity in terms of vertical position over time. The vertical speed indicator shows how quickly you’re changing altitude (rate of climb or descent). A positive VSI means climbing (nose up), a negative VSI means descending (nose down); this is a direct measure of vertical movement tied to pitch changes.

Airspeed indicator doesn’t convey pitch information; it shows speed through the air and can be affected by pitch indirectly, but it isn’t a pitch instrument. So the instruments that function as pitch indicators alongside the attitude indicator are the altimeter and VSI only.