Which instrument indicates the rate of climb or descent?

Which instrument indicates the rate of climb or descent?

• A. Vertical Speed Indicator
• B. Turn Coordinator
• C. Airspeed Indicator
• D. Heading Indicator

Answer: (A)

The vertical speed indicator is the instrument that shows how fast you’re climbing or descending. It measures the rate of altitude change, usually in feet per minute, by sensing changes in static air pressure. When you ascend, the outside pressure drops and the VSI deflects to indicate a positive rate; when you descend, it moves to indicate a negative rate. In steady, level flight it should read near zero, aside from minor fluctuations caused by gusts. This distinguishes it from instruments that show current altitude (altimeter), airspeed, or heading—the VSI specifically tracks how quickly your altitude is changing rather than how high you are, how fast you’re moving horizontally, or which direction you’re pointing.

The vertical speed indicator is the instrument that shows how fast you’re climbing or descending. It measures the rate of altitude change, usually in feet per minute, by sensing changes in static air pressure. When you ascend, the outside pressure drops and the VSI deflects to indicate a positive rate; when you descend, it moves to indicate a negative rate. In steady, level flight it should read near zero, aside from minor fluctuations caused by gusts. This distinguishes it from instruments that show current altitude (altimeter), airspeed, or heading—the VSI specifically tracks how quickly your altitude is changing rather than how high you are, how fast you’re moving horizontally, or which direction you’re pointing.