Definition 1 of 2
Definition
An electrical system that uses a transmitter and one or more receivers to remotely indicate the position of a moving part. The transmitter, mechanically linked to the part being monitored, sends an electrical signal through wires to the receiver, which converts that signal back into the same angular position on a cockpit indicator.
Plain English
A small electrical setup that lets the cockpit show the position of something located elsewhere on the aircraft. When the part moves, a sender produces a matching electrical signal, and a dial in the cockpit moves to show the same position.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft instrument and avionics systems where a cockpit indicator must show the position of a part that is not directly connected to it.
Derivation
From 'synchronous' — meaning 'happening together at the same time.' The receiver moves in step with the transmitter, so the cockpit indicator stays synchronized with the actual position of the remote part.
Why Pilots Care
It provides accurate, lightweight remote indication without long mechanical linkages, reducing weight and failure points while keeping the pilot informed of critical positions.
Analogy
It is like turning one knob and having a pointer somewhere else turn to the same position, even though there is no direct mechanical link between them.
Grounding Statement
The transmitter senses the real position and the receiver instantly copies that same position on the instrument panel.
Intuition Check
Do not read synchro as only meaning clocks or timing. In this context, it means two electrical units matching position with each other.
Example Sentence 1
The flap position indicator uses a synchro system to show the pilot exactly how far the flaps have extended.
Example Sentence 2
A faulty synchro receiver caused the flap position indicator to show full up when the flaps were actually at ten degrees.