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The PRIMARY pitch instrument for level flight at constant airspeed is

Choices

attitude indicator.
AI is the SUPPORTING reference, not primary.
✓ altimeter — in level flight, altimeter reads constant if pitch is correct.correct
The altimeter is primary for pitch in level flight at constant airspeed — it reads constant when the pitch is right, so an altimeter deviation = primary pitch correction needed. Attitude indicator is the SUPPORTING pitch reference. Per FAA's 'primary/supporting' instrument flight method: in level flight, the ALTIMETER is primary for pitch (it reads the variable you're trying to control = altitude); AI is supporting. In a constant-airspeed climb, AIRSPEED becomes primary for pitch (you're holding power constant and using pitch to control airspeed). The primary instrument is whichever one shows the variable you're holding constant.
vertical speed indicator.
VSI lags too much to be primary.
airspeed indicator.
Airspeed isn't the primary altitude variable.

Why

The altimeter is primary for pitch in level flight at constant airspeed — it reads constant when the pitch is right, so an altimeter deviation = primary pitch correction needed. Attitude indicator is the SUPPORTING pitch reference. Per FAA's 'primary/supporting' instrument flight method: in level flight, the ALTIMETER is primary for pitch (it reads the variable you're trying to control = altitude); AI is supporting. In a constant-airspeed climb, AIRSPEED becomes primary for pitch (you're holding power constant and using pitch to control airspeed). The primary instrument is whichever one shows the variable you're holding constant.

FAA source: PHAK Ch 8 — Primary/Supporting Method; PHAK Chapter 8 — Flight Instrumentsbrowse the reference library →

Covered in Supplemental · VIII — Basic Instrument Maneuvers — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

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Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question. Reviewed by a panel of three CFIs + AI review.