SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-vsi-measures

What does a vertical speed indicator show?

It shows climb or descent rate in feet per minute.

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  1. Bank angle
  2. Magnetic heading
  3. Climb or descent rate ✔

Why: The VSI senses changing static pressure to show whether the airplane is climbing, descending, or level. Its stabilized rate is displayed in feet per minute.

Huh, didn't know that: After a pitch change, a conventional VSI needle takes about 6 to 9 seconds to settle on the new rate.

The dad joke
The VSI got promoted because it always knew the rate of climb.
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References

Answer: Climb or descent rate. The VSI senses changing static pressure to show whether the airplane is climbing, descending, or level. Its stabilized rate is displayed in feet per minute.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 8 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/10_phak_ch8.pdf
    The rate of climb or descent is indicated in feet per minute (fpm).
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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