Plain English Meaning

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.

Full 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.

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- of traditional cockpits.