Definition
A description of an instrument or component that can operate from two independent power sources, typically vacuum (air pressure) and electricity, so that loss of one source does not disable the unit.
Plain English
The instrument can run on either of two power supplies, so if one fails the other keeps it working.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of gyroscopic flight instruments, including the turn coordinator and other instruments that may need backup power.
Derivation
‘Dual’ comes from the Latin ‘duo’ meaning two. ‘Powered’ simply means supplied with energy to operate. Together: supplied with energy from two sources.
Why Pilots Care
Provides backup operation of critical turn and attitude information during vacuum or electrical failures in instrument flight.
Intuition Check
Dual-powered does not mean the instrument is stronger or more powerful. It means it can run from either of two separate power sources.
Example Sentence 1
Because the turn coordinator in this aircraft is dual-powered, it will keep working even if the vacuum system fails.
Example Sentence 2
During an electrical system problem the pilot still had reliable turn information from the dual-powered instrument.