What are the three gyroscopic instruments?

• A. Attitude Indicator, Heading Indicator, and Turn Coordinator
• B. Airspeed Indicator, Altimeter, VSI
• C. Attitude Indicator, Altimeter, Heading Indicator
• D. Attitude Indicator, VSI, Turn Coordinator

Answer: (A)

Gyroscopic instruments rely on a spinning rotor to resist changes in orientation, giving pilots a stable reference for aircraft attitude and direction. The three instruments that use gyroscopes in a typical cockpit are the attitude indicator, the heading indicator, and the turn coordinator.

The attitude indicator shows the aircraft’s pitch and bank relative to the horizon, so you can maintain the proper attitude even when you can’t see outside. The heading indicator provides a directional reference by displaying a heading on a rotating card; it’s powered by a gyro, but it can drift over time and needs periodic alignment with magnetic north. The turn coordinator indicates rate of turn and, with the miniature airplane and the slip/skid ball, helps you judge whether the turn is coordinated.

The other options mix instruments that are not gyroscopic—pitot-static instruments like the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator measure air pressure changes rather than relying on a gyro—so they don’t comprise the three gyroscopic instruments.