Plain English Meaning

Flying the aircraft by reading the gauges instead of looking out the window. The pilot trusts the instruments to know which way is up, where the aircraft is heading, and how fast it is climbing or descending.

Full Definition

The act of controlling an aircraft's attitude, altitude, heading, and flight path solely by reference to the cockpit instruments, without using outside visual cues such as the horizon or ground features.

Context Anchor

Encountered at the start of instrument training, especially when learning to keep the aircraft under control in clouds, haze, darkness, or any where outside visual cues are .