Definition
An instrument display that responds to a change immediately as it happens, showing the current value in real time without lag, averaging, or trend smoothing.
Plain English
The instrument shows what is happening right now, the moment it happens, without delay.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when choosing which cockpit display gives the best immediate cue for power changes.
Derivation
From Latin instans meaning 'present moment.' An instantaneous indication is one that reflects the present moment, not a delayed or averaged reading.
Why Pilots Care
Allows timely recognition of power changes so the pilot can make precise adjustments without waiting for a lagged instrument to stabilize.
Intuition Check
Do not read instantaneous indication as a perfect or magical reading with no instrument limits. It means the indication responds right away enough to be useful, not that every cockpit display is flawless or delay-free.
Example Sentence 1
The power setting on the electronic flight display gives an instantaneous indication, so the pilot sees the change the moment the throttle is moved.
Example Sentence 2
On the electronic flight display, the vertical speed showed an instantaneous indication during the level-off from the climb.