flight indicator
Definition
Noun: A flight indicator is a cockpit instrument that displays the aircraft's orientation relative to the horizon. It uses a gyroscope to provide the pilot with an artificial, stable visual reference for pitch (nose up/down) and bank (wing up/down) angles, which is critical when the natural horizon is not visible.
Usage
The term "flight indicator" is used to refer to the specific instrument itself. It is a technical term primarily used in aviation contexts. * Pilots must continuously monitor the flight indicator during instrument meteorological conditions. * The failure of the flight indicator requires the pilot to rely on backup instruments.
Advanced Usage
- Primary Flight Display (PFD): In modern "glass cockpits," the traditional mechanical flight indicator is often integrated into a digital Primary Flight Display, which shows the same artificial horizon symbology along with other critical flight data.
Variants and Related Words
- Artificial Horizon: This is a common synonym for a flight indicator.
- Attitude Indicator: This is the technically precise and more common term for a flight indicator.
- Gyro Horizon: An older term for the same instrument, emphasizing its gyroscopic mechanism.
Synonyms
- Artificial Horizon
- Attitude Indicator
- Gyro Horizon
Related Phrases
- "On the gauges": A phrase meaning a pilot is flying by reference to instruments like the flight indicator, rather than by visual reference outside the aircraft.
- After entering the cloud, the pilot was immediately on the gauges, focusing on the flight indicator.
Noun
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a navigational instrument based on a gyroscope; it artificially provides a simulated horizon for the pilot
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