FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Flight Instruments and SystemsMedium
During a constant-airspeed climb to an assigned altitude, using the control-and-performance method of attitude instrument flying, which instrument is the primary instrument for pitch control?
- AAirspeed indicator
- BAttitude indicator
- CVertical speed indicator
- DAltimeter
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Airspeed indicator
In a constant-airspeed climb, power is set for the desired climb performance while pitch attitude is adjusted to maintain the target airspeed, making the airspeed indicator the primary pitch instrument. The attitude indicator is used for initial and general reference, while the altimeter and VSI serve as supporting instruments for the climb.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The attitude indicator is a supporting/reference instrument, not primary for pitch in this phase.
- C. The VSI is a supporting instrument for climb rate, not primary for pitch.
- D. The altimeter is primary for altitude in level flight, not in a climb.
Primary/Supporting Instruments — Constant-Airspeed Climb
In the control-and-performance concept, the primary pitch instrument changes with flight phase; during a constant-airspeed climb, pitch controls airspeed, making the airspeed indicator primary for pitch.
- Level flight: altimeter is primary for pitch
- Constant-airspeed climb/descent: airspeed indicator is primary for pitch
- Constant-rate climb/descent: VSI is primary for pitch
Memory trick: Climb at constant speed? Watch your speed — that's your pitch guide.