The vertical speed indicator, or variometer, is an aircraft flight instrument that indicates the aircraft's rate of climb or descent in feet per minute or meters per second. It allows pilots to monitor and control the plane's vertical velocity.
There are a few types of VSI instruments:
Pneumatic VSIs use airflow to drive an internal diaphragm-capsule that moves a pointer on the instrument dial. They provide direct rate of climb information.
Instantaneous VSIs derive rate of change data electronically from pressure altimeter readings. They show instant rate of climb.
Digital VSIs take altitude data from sensors and use processing to calculate vertical speed digitally for display. Added functions can include altitude hold and auto calibration.
Audible VSIs transmit climb and descent rate through different audio tones. Helpful for flying without visual reference.
Key VSI specifications include measurement range, graduation increments, accuracy, operating altitude range, and power requirements. They may include additional features like encoding, data outputs, and programmable audio. Reliable VSIs are essential for instrument flight by transmitting immediate climb/descent data to the pilots.
0