Definition
The specific readings shown on flight and engine instruments during an instrument takeoff (ITO), used by the pilot to confirm correct aircraft attitude, heading, airspeed, power, and climb performance when outside visual references are not available. Typical indications scanned in sequence include the heading indicator (to maintain runway centerline alignment), the attitude indicator (to set and confirm a wings-level pitch-up attitude after rotation), the airspeed indicator (to confirm acceleration and rotation speed), the altimeter and vertical speed indicator (to confirm a positive climb), and the engine instruments (to confirm takeoff power).
Plain English
The picture your cockpit instruments give you during a takeoff made without looking outside. You read each instrument in turn to make sure you're tracking straight, climbing, gaining speed, and producing full power.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument takeoff training, especially when checking Figure 8-16 in the Instrument Flying Handbook or practicing takeoffs in low-visibility conditions.
Derivation
Indication comes from a Latin root meaning “to point out” or “to show.” In aviation, an indication is what an instrument is showing you, not what you hope the airplane is doing.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the aircraft is maintaining the correct pitch attitude and positive climb performance when outside visual references are unavailable, directly preventing loss of control on departure.
Grounding Statement
On an instrument takeoff, the instruments become the pilot’s main picture of whether the airplane is going straight, getting faster, lifting off, and climbing.
Intuition Check
Do not read “indications” as instructions or guesses. Here it means the actual signs shown by the flight instruments.
Example Sentence 1
During the instrument takeoff, the pilot cross-checked the takeoff indications — heading steady on runway centerline, attitude slightly nose-up, airspeed alive, and a positive climb on the altimeter.
Example Sentence 2
Any deviation in heading or airspeed on the instrument takeoff indications required immediate correction to stay on the departure path.