Definition
A vertical, scrolling display of altitude shown on an electronic flight display (EFD), where a moving strip of numbers passes a fixed reference pointer to indicate the aircraft's current altitude.
Plain English
On a glass cockpit screen, altitude is shown as a tall ribbon of numbers that scrolls up and down past a pointer in the middle. Whatever number sits next to the pointer is your current altitude.
Context Anchor
Seen on an electronic primary flight display during the instrument scan, usually along the right side of the main flight screen.
Derivation
Called a 'tape' because the scrolling strip of numbers resembles an old measuring tape or ticker tape sliding past a fixed point. The visual metaphor replaces the round, rotating-needle altimeter of traditional cockpits.
Why Pilots Care
It gives immediate altitude awareness during instrument flight without requiring the pilot to interpret a round dial.
Analogy
Think of it like a vertical ruler on the screen. The airplane’s current altitude stays highlighted while the ruler numbers slide past as the airplane moves up or down.
Intuition Check
Do not picture a physical piece of tape. In this context, “tape” means a narrow strip on the display that shows altitude values in order.
Example Sentence 1
As the airplane climbed, the numbers on the altimeter tape scrolled downward past the pointer, showing increasing altitude.
Example Sentence 2
The altimeter tape showed a slow climb, so the pilot adjusted pitch to maintain the target altitude.