An Introduction to Flight Instruments: Your Six-Pack Survival Kit

When you first start learning to fly, your eyes naturally gravitate toward the view outside the cockpit. But as you gain experience—especially when venturing into clouds, at night, or under the hood during instrument training—you’ll develop a deep appreciation for a reliable, well-behaved set of flight instruments.

In small general aviation aircraft, the flight instruments are your primary tools for safely navigating the skies. They give you essential information about what your airplane is doing, even when your senses try to lie to you. (And yes, they will!)

This article will give you a solid introduction to the core flight instruments you’ll find in most small aircraft: what they are, how they work, and why you should care.