Definition
The small aircraft symbol displayed in the center of the attitude indicator that represents the pilot's own aircraft. Its position relative to the artificial horizon line shows the aircraft's pitch and bank attitude, and the pilot adjusts it before flight so its wings align with the horizon bar in level cruise.
Plain English
The little airplane shape on the attitude indicator that stands for your aircraft. You read its position against the horizon line to see whether you're climbing, diving, or banking.
Context Anchor
Seen on the attitude indicator during instrument flying and when adjusting the instrument before or during flight.
Why Pilots Care
It gives immediate visual feedback on aircraft attitude when outside references are unavailable, enabling precise control and preventing spatial disorientation.
Intuition Check
The miniature airplane is not a model of another airplane. It is the symbol for your airplane on the instrument.
Example Sentence 1
Before takeoff, the pilot adjusted the miniature airplane so its wings sat level with the horizon bar.
Example Sentence 2
In the turn, the miniature airplane banked left to match the aircraft's roll attitude.