Definition
On a three-pointer sensitive altimeter, the longest and most prominent pointer, which makes one full revolution every 1,000 feet of altitude change. Each numbered increment on the dial (0 through 9) represents 100 feet, so the 1,000 ft. pointer indicates hundreds of feet within the current thousand.
Plain English
The big hand on the altimeter that tells you the hundreds of feet. It goes all the way around the dial once for every 1,000 feet you climb or descend.
Context Anchor
Seen on diagrams and cockpit altimeters that use separate pointers to show hundreds, thousands, and tens of thousands of feet.
Why Pilots Care
It gives an immediate visual cue for crossing altitude increments without requiring the pilot to count the shorter hands.
Analogy
Think of it like the minute hand on a clock. The minute hand sweeps around the face quickly and gives you the most precise read on time, while the hour hand moves slowly in the background. The 1,000 ft. pointer plays the same role on an altimeter.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the 1,000 ft. pointer gives the complete altitude by itself. It only gives the thousands part; the other pointer or pointers complete the reading.
Example Sentence 1
As the aircraft climbed through 2,500 feet, the 1,000 ft. pointer was sitting on the 5.
Example Sentence 2
During the descent the 1,000 ft. pointer unwound steadily as we approached the assigned altitude.