Definition
A specific pitch attitude reference on the attitude indicator equal to one-and-one-half times the width of the miniature aircraft's wing bar above or below the artificial horizon line. It is used as a standard pitch increment when setting or adjusting pitch attitude during instrument maneuvers such as climbs, descents, and approaches.
Plain English
A way of measuring how far the nose of the airplane is pitched up or down on the attitude indicator, using the thickness of the little airplane's wing as a ruler. One-and-one-half bar widths means the horizon line sits one-and-a-half wing-thicknesses below (or above) the miniature airplane.
Context Anchor
Seen when using the attitude indicator to set or check pitch during straight-and-level instrument flight.
Derivation
The term comes from using the 'bar' (the wing-shaped reference of the miniature aircraft on the attitude indicator) as a built-in measuring stick. 'Bar width' simply means the thickness of that bar, and 'one-and-one-half' tells you how many of those thicknesses to count off from the horizon line.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots a repeatable visual reference for precise pitch changes that produce consistent airspeed and altitude performance without needing numerical degree markings.
Grounding Statement
The term describes a small, measured-looking spacing on the attitude indicator, not a separate instrument setting.
Intuition Check
Do not read “bar” here as a pressure unit, a legal limit, or a physical handle. In this context, it means the small reference bar that forms part of the airplane symbol on the attitude indicator.
Example Sentence 1
During the climb, the instructor told the student to set the nose at one-and-one-half bar width above the horizon on the attitude indicator.
Example Sentence 2
After leveling off from a descent, adjust pitch so the horizon settles one-and-one-half bar widths below the center reference to hold altitude.