Which instrument indicates the rate of climb or descent in feet per minute?

Which instrument indicates the rate of climb or descent in feet per minute?

• A. Vertical Speed Indicator
• B. Altimeter
• C. Aural alert system
• D. Heading Indicator

Answer: (A)

The main idea is identifying the instrument that shows how fast you’re changing altitude. The Vertical Speed Indicator provides this by displaying a rate of climb or descent in feet per minute. It translates vertical movement into a numeric rate: a positive value for climbing, a negative value for descending, and zero when you’re level. This is essential for managing climbs, descents, and level-offs, letting you adjust pitch and power to hit your target vertical speed. The altimeter, by contrast, tells you your current altitude, not how quickly you’re changing it. The aural alert system offers warnings, not rate information. The heading indicator shows direction, not vertical movement.

The main idea is identifying the instrument that shows how fast you’re changing altitude. The Vertical Speed Indicator provides this by displaying a rate of climb or descent in feet per minute. It translates vertical movement into a numeric rate: a positive value for climbing, a negative value for descending, and zero when you’re level. This is essential for managing climbs, descents, and level-offs, letting you adjust pitch and power to hit your target vertical speed. The altimeter, by contrast, tells you your current altitude, not how quickly you’re changing it. The aural alert system offers warnings, not rate information. The heading indicator shows direction, not vertical movement.