Definition
An instrument scan pattern in which the pilot's eyes move from the attitude indicator down to the altimeter, back up to the attitude indicator, down to the vertical speed indicator, and back up to the attitude indicator, tracing the shape of an inverted V. The attitude indicator is the apex, and the altimeter and vertical speed indicator form the two lower points.
Plain English
A way of scanning the cockpit instruments where your eyes keep returning to the attitude indicator at the top, while glancing down at the altimeter on one side and the vertical speed indicator on the other -- making an upside-down V shape with your gaze.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when learning how to scan analog instruments without staring at only one gauge.
Derivation
Named after the shape the eyes trace during the scan. The attitude indicator sits at the top, with the altimeter and vertical speed indicator below on either side -- forming a V flipped upside down.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents fixation on a single instrument and supports a balanced scan that maintains aircraft control in instrument conditions.
Analogy
It is like checking mirrors while driving: your eyes keep returning to the road ahead, but you briefly check other places to keep the whole picture current.
Intuition Check
Do not read “inverted-V” as describing the airplane’s attitude. It describes the shape of the pilot’s eye movement across the instruments.
Example Sentence 1
During the climb, she used an inverted-V cross-check to monitor her pitch attitude while keeping an eye on altitude and vertical speed.
Example Sentence 2
In the holding pattern the instructor reminded the student to apply the inverted-V cross-check instead of staring at the heading indicator.