Which instrument provides current heading information?

Which instrument provides current heading information?

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

Answer: (A)

Heading information is provided by the heading indicator. This instrument uses a stabilized gyroscope (directional gyro) to display the aircraft’s current heading on a rotating compass card, giving you a steady reference as you fly. It’s designed to stay oriented with the aircraft even during turns and turbulence, unlike the magnetic compass, which can lag or drift. As you fly, you’ll often cross-check this heading with the magnetic compass, since the indicator can drift over time and needs periodic realignment. The other instruments serve different purposes: a turn coordinator shows rate of turn and coordination (not the heading), a vertical speed indicator shows climb or descent rate, and an altimeter shows altitude.

Heading information is provided by the heading indicator. This instrument uses a stabilized gyroscope (directional gyro) to display the aircraft’s current heading on a rotating compass card, giving you a steady reference as you fly. It’s designed to stay oriented with the aircraft even during turns and turbulence, unlike the magnetic compass, which can lag or drift. As you fly, you’ll often cross-check this heading with the magnetic compass, since the indicator can drift over time and needs periodic realignment.

The other instruments serve different purposes: a turn coordinator shows rate of turn and coordination (not the heading), a vertical speed indicator shows climb or descent rate, and an altimeter shows altitude.