The position of an aircraft as determined by the relationship of its axes and a reference, usually the earth's horizon, is called:

• A. Attitude
• B. Position
• C. Heading
• D. Flight path

Answer: (A)

Attitude is about how the airplane is oriented in space relative to a reference, usually the horizon. It describes the nose position (pitch) and the tilt of the wings (roll) as you look at the horizon line on an attitude indicator. This is different from where you are located (position), the direction your nose is pointing on a compass (heading), or the path you’re actually flying through the air (flight path). So the term that fits the description of orientation to a horizon reference is attitude.