Definition
An instrument display format in which a value is shown on a moving vertical or horizontal strip (a 'tape') that scrolls past a fixed reference mark, rather than on a round dial with a rotating pointer. The current value is read where the tape aligns with the index mark.
Plain English
A readout that looks like a strip of numbers sliding up, down, or sideways past a pointer. Whatever number sits next to the pointer is the current reading.
Context Anchor
Seen on modern cockpit screens where values such as airspeed, altitude, or engine readings are shown as moving scales instead of round dials.
Derivation
Called a 'tape' because the moving strip of numbers resembles a measuring tape or strip of film scrolling past a window.
Why Pilots Care
Provides at-a-glance reading of critical values with trend information visible.
Analogy
It is like sliding a ruler past a fixed pointer. The ruler moves, but you read the number beside the pointer.
Intuition Check
Tape does not mean adhesive tape or a recording tape here. It means a narrow strip-like scale shown on an instrument screen.
Example Sentence 1
On the glass panel, airspeed and altitude are shown as tape displays running vertically on either side of the attitude indicator.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach, the airspeed tape display showed a decreasing trend.