Which instrument is primarily used to measure altitude?

Which instrument is primarily used to measure altitude?

• A. Altimeter
• B. Variometer
• C. Speedometer
• D. Compass

Answer: (A)

The primary instrument used to measure altitude in aviation is the altimeter. An altimeter measures the height of an aircraft above a specific reference point, typically sea level. It operates by detecting changes in atmospheric pressure; as an aircraft ascends, the air pressure decreases, and the altimeter translates this change into an altitude reading. Understanding how an altimeter functions is crucial for pilots, as accurate altitude measurement is essential for safe navigation and maintaining required separation from other aircraft and terrain. Other instruments mentioned serve different purposes. A variometer measures the rate of climb or descent, helping pilots understand how quickly they are gaining or losing altitude, but it does not provide direct altitude readings. A speedometer indicates the speed of the aircraft, which is important for flight performance and safety but does not measure altitude. Lastly, a compass is used for navigation, providing directional information rather than altitude. Therefore, the altimeter stands out as the essential instrument for measuring altitude in flight.

The primary instrument used to measure altitude in aviation is the altimeter. An altimeter measures the height of an aircraft above a specific reference point, typically sea level. It operates by detecting changes in atmospheric pressure; as an aircraft ascends, the air pressure decreases, and the altimeter translates this change into an altitude reading.

Understanding how an altimeter functions is crucial for pilots, as accurate altitude measurement is essential for safe navigation and maintaining required separation from other aircraft and terrain.

Other instruments mentioned serve different purposes. A variometer measures the rate of climb or descent, helping pilots understand how quickly they are gaining or losing altitude, but it does not provide direct altitude readings. A speedometer indicates the speed of the aircraft, which is important for flight performance and safety but does not measure altitude. Lastly, a compass is used for navigation, providing directional information rather than altitude. Therefore, the altimeter stands out as the essential instrument for measuring altitude in flight.