Definition
The vertical reference scale on an attitude indicator, marked in degrees above and below the horizon line, used to measure and set the airplane's nose-up or nose-down angle relative to the horizon.
Plain English
The ladder of degree marks above and below the horizon line on the attitude indicator. You use it to see exactly how far the nose is pointed up or down.
Context Anchor
Seen on the attitude display of an electronic flight display during instrument flying, especially when setting or holding climb, level, or descent pitch.
Derivation
Pitch comes from the up-and-down tilting motion of the nose, the same sense as a ship pitching in waves. Scale here means a graduated measuring strip, like the markings on a ruler. Put together: a ruler for measuring nose-up and nose-down angle.
Why Pilots Care
Precise pitch control is essential for maintaining altitude, airspeed, and flight path in instrument conditions where visual references are unavailable.
Intuition Check
Pitch here does not mean sound, throwing, or propeller blade angle. It means the airplane’s nose-up or nose-down position, and the scale shows that position in degrees.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off, the pilot checked that the miniature airplane was aligned with the zero mark on the pitch scale.
Example Sentence 2
During the descent, the pilot cross-checked the pitch scale to maintain a five-degree nose-down indication.