Commercial Pilot License (CPL) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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How does a vertical speed indicator (VSI) function?

It measures airspeed based on temperature differences

It detects altitude using a barometric pressure system

It is a pressure differential instrument using two aneroids

The vertical speed indicator (VSI) functions as a pressure differential instrument that utilizes two aneroid capsules. This design enables it to compare the current atmospheric pressure with the pressure from a reference altitude. As the aircraft climbs or descends, the change in atmospheric pressure affects the aneroid capsules differently, leading to mechanical movement of the VSI needle.

This movement allows the VSI to display the rate of climb or descent in feet per minute. The use of two aneroid capsules is crucial for accurately detecting and depicting vertical speed because it accounts for quick changes in ambient pressure, ensuring that the instrument responds accurately to the aircraft's altitude changes. The VSI is an essential flight instrument for pilots, providing vital information about the aircraft's vertical performance to assist in maintaining safe and effective flight operations.

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It calculates changes in direction based on gyroscopic effects

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