The Instruments
Big Idea
The six main instruments tell you everything about how the airplane is flying — even if you cannot see outside.
Fun Fact
The G1000 glass cockpit combines all six instruments onto one big screen. Older airplanes have six separate round gauges called the "six-pack."
What You Will Learn
- Find the attitude indicator (blue = sky, brown = ground)
- Find the airspeed indicator (how fast)
- Find the altimeter (how high)
- Find the heading indicator (which direction)
- Find the vertical speed indicator (climbing or descending)
- Find the turn coordinator (coordinated flight)
Simulator Steps
- Look at the G1000 PFD — find the attitude indicator in the center
- Find the airspeed tape on the left side
- Find the altitude tape on the right side
- Find the heading at the bottom
- Find the vertical speed indicator (VSI) on the far right
- Fly and watch how each instrument changes with your control inputs
What You Learned
- Attitude indicator = airplane vs horizon
- Airspeed = how fast, Altimeter = how high
- Heading = which direction you are pointing