Which instrument provides heading information using a gyroscope?

• A. Attitude Indicator
• B. Turn Coordinator
• C. Airspeed Indicator
• D. Heading Indicator

Answer: (D)

Heading information is provided by the instrument that uses a gyroscope to hold a stable reference in the horizontal plane and displays the aircraft’s magnetic heading on a rotating compass card. This is the heading indicator, which is built to show heading rather than attitude or rate of turn. The attitude indicator uses a gyro to maintain the artificial horizon and shows pitch and bank, not heading. The turn coordinator uses a gyro tilted to sense yaw and roll and indicates the rate of turn, not the heading. The airspeed indicator relies on pitot-static pressure, with no gyroscope involved. Gyros drift over time, so pilots cross-check with the magnetic compass and periodically reset the heading indicator to stay accurate.