ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Attitude indicator

Imagine you are driving a car and you want to turn left or right. To do this, you use the steering wheel so that the wheels move in the direction you want to go. Pilots in airplanes also need to know if their plane is going up, down, left, or right. However, instead of using a steering wheel, they use an instrument called the attitude indicator.

The attitude indicator tells the pilot where the plane is pointing in relation to the horizon. It has a small airplane symbol that moves up or down as the plane changes altitude, and it also tilts left or right as the plane bank or turns. The indicator also has a dotted line that represents the horizon, so the pilot can see if the plane is level or not.

The attitude indicator is important because it helps the pilot fly the airplane safely, especially in poor visibility or bad weather. If the pilot can't see outside the cockpit, the attitude indicator tells them where the plane is going, so they can make corrections and keep the plane on course.

In summary, the attitude indicator is a vital instrument that tells the pilot the direction their airplane is pointing in relation to the horizon. It helps pilots fly safely and accurately, especially in situations where visibility is poor or limited.