Harmon Technologies, Inc.

Attitude Indicator

The attitude indicator is often called the "artificial horizon"  This is a vacuum powered gyro instrument that shows a miniature airplane and a horizon line.  This instrument is used in hazy or cloudy conditions when the natural horizon is not clearly visible.  Under these conditions, the attitude indicator is used to determine the correct pitch up or down as well as to keep the wings level (or to properly bank them in a turn).  Since the instrument shows the degrees of bank or nose up/down, it is also used in clear weather to fly with more precision.

For some more information as well as pictures showing the indicator during turns, you can click on this external link:  http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/aero/attitudeindicator.htm

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