← All explained questions · Supplemental · VIII — Basic Instrument Maneuvers
In a constant-airspeed climb by reference to instruments, the primary instrument for pitch is
Choices
✓ the airspeed indicator (because pitch attitude controls airspeed at a fixed power setting).correct
In a constant-airspeed climb, airspeed becomes the primary pitch reference because pitch directly controls airspeed at a fixed climb power setting. Attitude indicator is the supporting pitch reference. (Power is set; airspeed deviation = pitch correction needed.)
the attitude indicator only.
AI is a supporting reference here, not primary.
the altimeter.
Altimeter is primary for pitch in level flight, not climbs.
the vertical speed indicator.
VSI is too laggy and oscillatory to be primary for any pitch task.
Why
In a constant-airspeed climb, airspeed becomes the primary pitch reference because pitch directly controls airspeed at a fixed climb power setting. Attitude indicator is the supporting pitch reference. (Power is set; airspeed deviation = pitch correction needed.)
FAA source: PHAK Ch 8 — Primary/Supporting Method; PHAK Chapter 8 — Flight Instrumentsbrowse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.