Definition
An instrument that displays a measured quantity to the pilot in real time, usually by means of a pointer moving across a graduated scale or a digital readout. It shows the current value of something being measured -- such as airspeed, altitude, oil pressure, or engine RPM -- but does not record, control, or compute beyond the reading itself.
Plain English
A gauge that simply shows you what something is doing right now, like a speedometer in a car.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft instrument, cockpit display, engine monitoring, and maintenance discussions.
Derivation
From the Latin indicare, meaning 'to point out' or 'to show.' An indicating instrument literally points out the current value of something being measured.
Why Pilots Care
These instruments supply the continuous, accurate data pilots need to monitor flight conditions and make safe decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an indicating instrument is correct just because it is showing a value. “Indicating” means it displays information; the displayed information can still be wrong if the instrument, sensor, or power source has a problem.
Example Sentence 1
The airspeed indicator is an indicating instrument that shows the airplane's speed through the air.
Example Sentence 2
During level cruise the pilot scanned the altimeter and vertical speed indicator, both indicating instruments, to confirm stable flight.