"Flight instruments are the instruments in the cockpit of an aircraft that provide the pilot with data about the flight situation of that aircraft."
The tools used by pilots to monitor the performance of an aircraft in flight. Understanding how to interpret and use flight instruments is essential for safe flying.
Attitude indicator: Shows the plane's pitch and roll relative to the horizon.
Altimeter: Displays the current altitude of the plane.
Airspeed indicator: Shows the speed at which the plane is traveling through the air.
Vertical speed indicator: Displays the rate at which the plane is climbing or descending.
Turn coordinator: Indicates the aircraft's rate and direction of turn.
Heading indicator: Shows the direction the plane is heading relative to magnetic north.
Magnetic compass: A device that displays the plane's direction relative to magnetic north.
Horizontal situation indicator: Displays the plane's position in relation to a navigation course.
Engine gauges: Shows information about the status of the plane's engine(s), such as oil pressure and temperature.
Radio navigation instruments: Devices that use radio signals to help the pilot navigate, such as VOR (VHF omnidirectional range) and GPS (global positioning system).
Glass cockpit: A modern flight instrument system that uses electronic displays instead of traditional analog gauges.
Flight management systems: Computer-based systems that aid in flight planning, navigation, and performance management.
Autopilot systems: Devices that automatically control the airplane to maintain a desired course and altitude.
Weather radar: This equipment displays weather patterns so that pilots can steer clear of turbulent or dangerous weather conditions.
Terrain avoidance system: Shows the altitude of the aircraft and alerts the pilot if the plane is approaching terrain or obstacles.
Traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS): Alerts the pilots if there is another aircraft in close proximity and provides instructions on how to avoid a collision.
Cockpit voice recorder: Records any conversation or sound inside the cockpit during flight for investigation in case of accidents.
Flight data recorder: Records information about the flight, such as altitude, airspeed, and heading.
Airspeed Indicator: Measures the speed of the aircraft relative to the air.
Attitude Indicator: Displays the orientation of the aircraft with respect to the horizon.
Altimeter: Measures the altitude of the aircraft above sea level.
Vertical Speed Indicator: Shows the rate at which the aircraft is ascending or descending.
Turn Coordinator: Displays the rate of turn and quality of turn.
Heading Indicator: Indicates the direction in which the aircraft is headed.
Magnetic Compass: Provides information about the aircraft's direction of travel.
Accelerometer: Measures the aircraft's acceleration in various directions.
Fuel Gauge: Shows the amount of fuel remaining in the aircraft's fuel tanks.
Engine Instruments: Display information about the engine, including its speed, temperature, and pressure.
"They provide the pilot with data about the flight situation of that aircraft, such as altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, heading, and much more other crucial information in flight."
"They improve safety by allowing the pilot to fly the aircraft in level flight, and make turns, without a reference outside the aircraft such as the horizon."
"Visual flight rules (VFR) require an airspeed indicator, an altimeter, and a compass or other suitable magnetic direction indicator."
"Instrument flight rules (IFR) additionally require a gyroscopic pitch-bank (artificial horizon), direction (directional gyro) and rate of turn indicator, plus a slip-skid indicator, adjustable altimeter, and a clock."
"Flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) require radio navigation instruments for precise takeoffs and landings."
"It can include engine instruments, navigational and communication equipment."
"Many modern aircraft have electronic flight instrument systems."
"Most regulated aircraft have these flight instruments as dictated by the US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Part 91."
"They are grouped according to pitot-static system, compass systems, and gyroscopic instruments."