Definition
An engine or system gauge that displays its reading as a moving vertical bar (or column) against a fixed scale, rather than as a needle sweeping around a circular dial. The height of the bar rises or falls with the value being measured, allowing several parameters to be read side by side at a glance.
Plain English
A gauge that shows a value as a tall, thin bar that grows taller or shorter as the value goes up or down, like a thermometer column.
Context Anchor
Seen on some cockpit and engine displays, where values such as engine readings may be shown as vertical bars or scales.
Derivation
From 'tape' meaning a long, narrow strip — the bar resembles a strip of tape standing on end. The name describes the shape of the indicator, not the instrument's internal workings.
Why Pilots Care
Allows quick reading of exact values and trends across a wide range without taking up extra panel space.
Analogy
Think of the volume bars on a stereo equalizer — each bar shows a separate value, and you can see at a glance which one is high or low.
Intuition Check
Do not think of “tape” as sticky tape here. In this term, “tape” means a narrow strip-like scale used to display a value.
Example Sentence 1
On the EICAS, the vertical tape instrument for the number two engine showed EGT climbing higher than the other engines.
Example Sentence 2
During the engine run-up the mechanic checked the vertical tape instrument for stable RPM indications.