Definition
A combined performance instrument display, common on glass cockpit primary flight displays, that shows the aircraft's rate of climb or descent (vertical speed) alongside a moving tape that indicates current altitude. The vertical speed portion shows how fast altitude is changing, in feet per minute, while the altitude tape scrolls vertically past a fixed reference pointer to show the current altitude.
Plain English
A single display that shows two things at once: how fast you are climbing or descending, and what altitude you are at right now. Instead of round dials, the altitude is shown on a sliding strip that moves up and down as you climb or descend.
Context Anchor
Seen on electronic flight displays in the performance instrument area, near the altitude display.
Derivation
Called a 'tape' indicator because the altitude readout looks like a strip or tape sliding past a fixed pointer, similar to a measuring tape moving past a window. 'Vertical speed' simply describes speed in the up/down direction.
Why Pilots Care
This is the primary tool for holding altitude and managing climbs and descents. Reading the tape and vertical speed together lets the pilot see both where they are and where they are heading vertically -- essential for level-offs, intercepting altitudes, and staying within ATC clearance limits.
Intuition Check
Do not read “speed” here as forward speed through the air. Vertical speed means how fast the aircraft’s height is changing; tape means a strip-like display, not physical tape.
Example Sentence 1
As the pilot leveled off at 5,000 feet, the vertical speed and tape indicator showed the climb rate falling to zero and the altitude tape settling on the target altitude.
Example Sentence 2
On final approach the vertical speed and tape indicator showed 700 feet per minute down, matching the planned descent profile.