Definition
Precision-machined bearings that support a gyroscope's spinning rotor with minimal mechanical resistance, allowing the rotor to maintain high rotational speed and stable rigidity in space with very little energy loss to friction.
Plain English
Special bearings that let a gyro's wheel spin freely with almost nothing slowing it down, so it keeps spinning fast and steady.
Context Anchor
Seen in gyroscopic instrument discussions, especially when explaining how attitude indicators, heading indicators, and turn instruments stay steady while the aircraft moves.
Derivation
Bearing comes from the idea of “bearing” or carrying a load. In this term, the bearing carries and supports a moving part while still allowing it to rotate.
Why Pilots Care
They prevent unwanted precession and drift in gyro instruments, ensuring reliable attitude and heading information.
Analogy
A bicycle wheel spins longer when its axle turns smoothly. Low friction bearings do the same kind of job inside a gyro instrument: they support the spinning part without adding much drag.
Intuition Check
Low friction does not mean no friction at all. It means the parts are designed to keep rubbing resistance very small so the gyro can move freely.
Example Sentence 1
The attitude indicator's gyro spins on low friction bearings, allowing it to hold its reference position even as the airplane pitches and rolls around it.
Example Sentence 2
During instrument overhaul, technicians inspect the low friction bearings to confirm the gyro will maintain accuracy without added drag.