Aircraft Instruments Classification

Altimeter

An instrument that measures an aircraft’s altitude, or its height above a specific reference level, usually at sea level.

Altitude Indicator

A flight instrument that displays the aircraft’s orientation relative to the earth’s horizon.

Airspeed

An aircraft’s speed relative to the air its flying through, as opposed to its speed over the ground.

Vertical Speed Indicator

An instrument that displays the rate at which an aircraft is climbing or descending.

Compass System

CA navigation aid that indicates the heading (direction) of the aircraft relative to the Earth’s magnetic field.

Tachometer

An instrument that measure and displays the rotational speed of the aircraft engine, typically in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Temperature

Used to determine density, which influences lift and drag, and also impacts the formation of icing.

Fuel Quantity

The amount of fuel available for use during flight, typically measured in gallons or pounds.

Fuel Flow

The rate at which fuel is delivered to an engine.

Glideslope

The vertical guidance provided by an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to assist pilots in descending towards a runway during an approach.

Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)

A radio navigation system that measures the slant range distance (distance at an angle) between an aircraft and ground station.