Definition
The readings shown on cockpit instruments — the numbers, needle positions, pointer angles, digital values, and warning lights that display aircraft state, system status, and flight data to the pilot.
Plain English
What your cockpit instruments are showing you at any given moment — the actual numbers and pointer positions on the gauges and screens.
Context Anchor
Seen when discussing how pilots read cockpit instruments, especially when light conditions make the instruments harder or easier to see.
Derivation
‘Indication’ comes from the Latin ‘indicare,’ meaning ‘to point out’ or ‘to show.’ An instrument indication is literally what the instrument is pointing out to you.
Why Pilots Care
Correct interpretation of instrument indications prevents spatial disorientation and loss of control when outside visual cues are unavailable.
Grounding Statement
If a gauge, screen, light, or pointer is showing information to the pilot, that shown information is an instrument indication.
Intuition Check
Do not read “indication” as just a loose hint or guess. In this context, an instrument indication is the actual information being displayed by an aircraft instrument.
Example Sentence 1
Once inside the cloud, the pilot scanned the instrument indications to confirm the aircraft was straight and level.
Example Sentence 2
Bright sunlight can wash out instrument indications on the panel, requiring the pilot to adjust cockpit lighting.