The attitude indicator senses roll as well as pitch. Which instrument is this?

• A. Attitude Indicator
• B. Altimeter
• C. Vertical Speed Indicator
• D. Heading Indicator

Answer: (A)

The instrument that shows both bank (roll) and pitch is the attitude indicator. It uses a stabilized gyroscope so the display stays fixed in space while the aircraft tilts around its axes. The horizon line and the miniature airplane move on the face of the instrument: when you roll, the horizon tilts, and when you pitch up or down, the horizon line moves up or down relative to the airplane. This gives you immediate attitude information even when you can’t see the outside world.

The other instruments don’t show both axes. The altimeter measures altitude by sensing static pressure. The vertical speed indicator shows how quickly you’re climbing or descending, not orientation. The heading indicator shows direction relative to magnetic north, not attitude.