Which instrument helps determine how quickly you are gaining or losing altitude?

Which instrument helps determine how quickly you are gaining or losing altitude?

• A. Airspeed Indicator
• B. Altimeter
• C. Attitude Indicator
• D. Vertical Velocity Indicator

Answer: (D)

The instrument that tells how quickly you are gaining or losing altitude is the vertical velocity indicator. It measures how fast the aircraft’s altitude is changing by sensing the rate of change in static pressure and then displaying that as a vertical speed value, usually in feet per minute. A positive reading means you’re climbing, while a negative reading means you’re descending. This is different from the altimeter, which shows your current altitude, not how fast you’re changing it. The airspeed indicator shows speed through the air, and the attitude indicator shows the aircraft’s orientation relative to the horizon.

The instrument that tells how quickly you are gaining or losing altitude is the vertical velocity indicator. It measures how fast the aircraft’s altitude is changing by sensing the rate of change in static pressure and then displaying that as a vertical speed value, usually in feet per minute. A positive reading means you’re climbing, while a negative reading means you’re descending. This is different from the altimeter, which shows your current altitude, not how fast you’re changing it. The airspeed indicator shows speed through the air, and the attitude indicator shows the aircraft’s orientation relative to the horizon.