Harmon Technologies, Inc.

Vertical Speed Indicator

The vertical speed indicator senses changes in the outside air pressure.  The needle then indicates how fast the airplane is climbing or descending.  The rate is then indicated in feet per minute.  When making larger changes in altitude, N4907J would usually climb or descend at around one thousand feet per minute.  When making smaller changes in altitude, climbes and descents are usually performed at 500 feet per minute.  These rates are a convention for instrument flying and are the rates expected by air traffic controllers.    This indicator is driven entirely by changes in air pressure and, like the airspeed indicator and altimeter require no power to operate.

Copyright © 2004 Harmon Technologies, Inc.