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Flight instruments

Most aircraft are equipped with a standard set of flight instruments which give the pilot information about the aircraft's attitude, speed and height.

Basic flight instruments
A set of six instruments which most aircraft have.

Altimeter
Gives the aircraft's height (usually in feet) above some reference level (often sea-level)

Artificial Horizon
Shows the aircraft's attitude relative to the horizon. From this the pilot can tell whether the wings are level and whether the aircraft nose is pointing above or below the horizon.

Airspeed Indicator
Shows the aircraft's speed (usually in knots) relative to the surrounding air.

Gyrocompass
Shows the aircraft's heading.

Turn & Bank Indicator
Tells if the aircraft is turning and whether it is "in balance" ie, not sideslipping.

Vertical Speed Indicator
Shows whether the aircraft is climbing or descending relative to the surrounding air.



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