Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What is the primary pitch instrument used for establishing a constant altitude during a standard rate turn?

1. Altimeter

2. VSI

3. Airspeed indicator

The correct answer is: Altimeter

The primary pitch instrument utilized for establishing and maintaining a constant altitude during a standard rate turn is the altimeter. When a pilot is performing a turn, the perception of altitude can change due to the bank angle and aircraft dynamics. The altimeter provides a direct reading of the aircraft's altitude above sea level and allows the pilot to determine if they are climbing, descending, or maintaining level flight. In a standard rate turn, it is crucial to keep the altitude constant to ensure safety and proper flight path management. The altimeter’s information helps the pilot make necessary adjustments to the pitch attitude to counter any unintended altitude changes that can occur during the turn, particularly due to the load factor changes associated with turning flight. Other instruments, such as the Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) and airspeed indicator, serve important roles in flight, but they do not directly indicate or help maintain a constant altitude as effectively as the altimeter. The VSI shows the rate of climb or descent, which is useful for confirming changes in altitude after they occur but does not directly indicate the current altitude. The airspeed indicator provides information about the aircraft's speed through the air, which is important for performance and control but does not supply altitude information critical for maintaining level flight during a turn