Which instrument would a pilot use to measure airspeed?

Which instrument would a pilot use to measure airspeed?

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

Answer: (B)

The airspeed indicator is the instrument specifically designed to measure the aircraft's speed relative to the surrounding air. It provides essential information for pilots, as maintaining the appropriate airspeed is crucial for various phases of flight, including takeoff, cruising, and landing. The airspeed indicator operates using the pitot-static system, where it compares the dynamic pressure from the airflow entering the pitot tube with the static pressure from the static ports, allowing for a precise reading of the airspeed. Other instruments listed serve different purposes: the altimeter measures altitude by comparing the atmospheric pressure outside the aircraft with a pre-measured standard pressure, the vertical speed indicator shows the rate of climb or descent by indicating the change in static pressure over time, and the heading indicator displays the aircraft's current heading relative to magnetic north. Understanding the role of each instrument helps pilots effectively manage their flight operations and ensure safety.

The airspeed indicator is the instrument specifically designed to measure the aircraft's speed relative to the surrounding air. It provides essential information for pilots, as maintaining the appropriate airspeed is crucial for various phases of flight, including takeoff, cruising, and landing. The airspeed indicator operates using the pitot-static system, where it compares the dynamic pressure from the airflow entering the pitot tube with the static pressure from the static ports, allowing for a precise reading of the airspeed.

Other instruments listed serve different purposes: the altimeter measures altitude by comparing the atmospheric pressure outside the aircraft with a pre-measured standard pressure, the vertical speed indicator shows the rate of climb or descent by indicating the change in static pressure over time, and the heading indicator displays the aircraft's current heading relative to magnetic north. Understanding the role of each instrument helps pilots effectively manage their flight operations and ensure safety.