Which instrument provides attitude information relative to the horizon?

• A. Attitude indicator
• B. Altimeter
• C. Airspeed indicator
• D. Vertical speed indicator

Answer: (A)

Attitude information relative to the horizon is provided by the attitude indicator, also known as the artificial horizon. It uses a stable gyroscope to depict the aircraft’s orientation in relation to a simulated horizon line, showing bank when the aircraft rolls and pitch when it climbs or dives. This lets you read your aircraft’s attitude quickly, even if you can’t see outside. The altimeter measures altitude, the airspeed indicator shows speed, and the vertical speed indicator shows climb or descent rate, so they don’t provide attitude relative to the horizon.