Which instrument shows the aircraft's pitch and roll?

• A. Attitude indicator.
• B. Heading indicator.
• C. Airspeed indicator.
• D. Altimeter.

Answer: (A)

The attitude indicator provides the aircraft’s pitch and roll information. It uses a gyro to keep the horizon line steady in space while a miniature aircraft symbol shows how the plane is oriented relative to that horizon. When you pitch the nose up, the horizon line moves down under the aircraft symbol; when you roll, the horizon tilts left or right. This gives an immediate sense of attitude, which is crucial, especially in instrument meteorological conditions.

The other instruments have different roles: the heading indicator shows direction (yaw relative to magnetic north), the airspeed indicator shows how fast you’re traveling through the air, and the altimeter shows your altitude.