What are two common sources to drive gyroscopic instruments?

What are two common sources to drive gyroscopic instruments?

• A. Hydraulic pressure and Mechanical drive
• B. Vacuum system and Electric power
• C. Solar power and wind
• D. GPS signal and inertial sensors

Answer: (B)

Gyroscopic instruments rely on a spinning rotor, and that spin is supplied by either a vacuum system or electric power. An engine-driven vacuum pump creates low pressure to drive the gyro’s turbine, while electric gyros use a motor powered by the aircraft’s electrical system. These two sources have been the primary ways to drive gyros, with older systems leaning on vacuum and many modern aircraft using electric drives (often with backup considerations). Other power sources like solar, wind, GPS, or inertial sensors do not physically drive the gyro rotor in traditional instruments.

Gyroscopic instruments rely on a spinning rotor, and that spin is supplied by either a vacuum system or electric power. An engine-driven vacuum pump creates low pressure to drive the gyro’s turbine, while electric gyros use a motor powered by the aircraft’s electrical system. These two sources have been the primary ways to drive gyros, with older systems leaning on vacuum and many modern aircraft using electric drives (often with backup considerations). Other power sources like solar, wind, GPS, or inertial sensors do not physically drive the gyro rotor in traditional instruments.