Overview - Aircraft Instruments and Equipment

Aircraft instruments and equipment are essential for pilots to safely operate an aircraft. As a Commercial Pilot (CPL) holder, it is important to understand the different instruments and equipment used to help fly the aircraft. This article provides an overview of the instruments and equipment used by CPL holders.

The primary instruments used by CPL holders are the altimeter, airspeed indicator, attitude indicator, artificial horizon, and vertical speed indicator. The altimeter is used to measure the aircraft’s altitude, while the airspeed indicator helps the pilot determine the aircraft’s speed relative to the air. The attitude indicator shows the aircraft’s pitch and roll, while the artificial horizon shows the aircraft’s pitch and roll relative to the horizon. The vertical speed indicator shows the aircraft’s rate of climb or descent.

CPL holders also use a variety of communication instruments, including a radio receiver, transceiver, and ADF (Automatic Direction Finder). The radio receiver is used to receive transmissions from other aircraft, while the transceiver is used to transmit and receive messages. The ADF is used to determine the direction of a radio transmission from another aircraft.

CPL holders also use navigation instruments, such as the GPS, VOR, and DME (Distance Measuring Equipment). The GPS uses satellites to determine the aircraft’s location, while the VOR and DME use ground-based navigation facilities to determine the aircraft’s position and distance.

In addition to these instruments, CPL holders must also be familiar with other aircraft equipment, such as the autopilot, radar, and weather radar. The autopilot is used to maintain the aircraft’s heading, altitude, and speed automatically. The radar is used to detect and track other aircraft, while the weather radar is used to detect and track weather systems.

Finally, CPL holders must also be familiar with the aircraft’s emergency equipment, such as the fire extinguisher, life raft, and first aid kit. These items are essential for responding to and managing any emergency situation.

In conclusion, CPL holders must be familiar with a variety of instruments and equipment used to safely operate an aircraft. Being knowledgeable of these instruments and equipment is essential for CPL holders to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew.

Drop us a Query

Enroll now for Best Science Course

Full Name

Phone number

Course

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

One-on-One Counselling Sessions

Choosing to become a pilot is a life-changing decision—and you shouldn’t have to make it alone.
At Golden Epaulettes, we offer personalized one-on-one counseling sessions with experienced airline captains who’ve helped thousands of students make the right career move.

Book a 1-on-1 Pilot Career Counselling Session

Your Career Deserves Clarity, Not Confusion

Choosing to become a pilot is a life-changing decision—and you shouldn’t have to make it alone. At Golden Epaulettes, we offer personalized one-on-one counseling sessions with experienced airline captains who’ve helped thousands of students make the right career move.

Assessment of your academic background & eligibility
Custom roadmap for Cadet or CPL path based on your financials and timeline
Clarification on DGCA medicals, flying schools, exams, and type ratings
Honest advice about scholarships, loans, and affordability for middle-class families
Mindset coaching to overcome fear, doubt, or misinformation

Complete Information - Aircraft Instruments and Equipment: An overview of the instruments and equipment used by CPL holders.

Aircraft Instruments and Equipment: An Overview of the Instruments and Equipment Used by CPL Holders

The Certificate of Proficiency (CPL) is a certification issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and is required for an aircraft to be operated commercially. It is also a requirement for a pilot to have a certain level of knowledge and proficiency in operating the aircraft. The CPL holders must have an understanding of the aircraft instruments and equipment they use so they can fly safely and effectively.

Instruments

Aircraft instruments are devices used to measure and display various parameters such as airspeed, altitude, heading, and attitude. These instruments are divided into two categories: primary instruments and secondary instruments. Primary instruments are essential for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and must be monitored at all times. They include the airspeed indicator, altimeter, attitude indicator, heading indicator, turn coordinator, and vertical speed indicator. Secondary instruments are used to supplement the primary instruments and provide additional information. They include the attitude director indicator, markers, and flight director.

Equipment

In addition to instruments, CPL holders must also be familiar with the aircraft equipment necessary for safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. This includes navigation equipment such as GPS, VOR, and ADF systems; communication equipment such as transceivers and radios; and other systems such as autopilots and cabin pressurization systems. It is important for CPL holders to understand how these systems work and how to use them to their benefit.

Weather Monitoring

CPL holders must also be aware of the weather conditions during their flight. This includes understanding the different types of weather, such as wind, temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Weather monitoring can be done with the help of various instruments, such as a wind direction indicator, altimeter, and barometer. These instruments can help pilots determine the wind direction, temperature, and altitude of the aircraft.

Emergency Equipment

Finally, CPL holders must be familiar with the emergency equipment on board the aircraft. This includes life vests, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and survival kits. In the event of an emergency, these items can be used to help the crew and passengers survive. It is important for CPL holders to understand how to use the emergency equipment and be prepared for any situation.

Conclusion

CPL holders must have a thorough understanding of aircraft instruments and equipment in order to fly safely and efficiently. As such, CPL holders must be familiar with primary and secondary instruments, navigation and communication equipment, weather monitoring, and emergency equipment. By having an understanding of these systems, CPL holders can ensure the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft.

Drop us a Query

Enroll now for Best Science Course

Full Name

Phone number

Course

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Join India’s Fastest-Growing Pilot Community – Learn Directly from Airline Captains!

Join the Golden Epaulettes Pilot Community—India’s fastest-growing network for aspiring aviators. This mentorship-driven platform connects you with experienced airline captains, including Capt. Deval Soni and Capt. Tomar Awdhesh. Whether you're just starting or preparing for your cadet pilot journey, this community is your gateway to expert guidance, peer connections, and real industry knowledge.

Join the GE Pilot Community

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead

Become part of the fastest-growing pilot mentorship group in India.The Golden Epaulettes Community is where aspiring pilots connect, learn, and grow—guided by experienced airline captains.

Get notified about exclusive webinars, career updates & DGCA changes
Connect with fellow aspirants, alumni, and mentors
Access curated study tips, updates, and aviation news
Engage with Experts and receive insights from Capt. Deval Soni & Capt. Tomar Awdhesh
Be Part of a Network of thousands of like-minded future aviators
Early Access to webinars, workshops.

Join the GE Community

Article, Blogs News, and Job Guide Information- Published By 4Achievers

View all posts

#	Program Name	Class Type	Batch Start Date	Enroll Now
#1	DGCA Ground Classes Preparatory Classes	Online/Offline	4th Sept, 2025	Enroll Now
#1	INDIGO CADET PROGRAM Preparatory Classes	Online/Offline	1st Sept, 2025	Enroll Now

How to Prepare for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Exam

Introduction to Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

Introduction to Airline Preparation Classes

Discover the Benefits of a Cadet Pilot Program

Exploring the Benefits of Joining the Indigo Cadet Pilot Program

What Is the Average Salary of a Pilot

The Cost of Obtaining a Commercial Pilot License

Comparing DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 Medicals for Airline Pilots

Aircraft Instruments and Equipment

Steps to become a Pilot

Video News

Overview - Aircraft Instruments and Equipment

One-on-One Counselling Sessions

Book a 1-on-1 Pilot Career Counselling Session

Freebies for Aspiring Pilots

Steps to becoma a Pilot

How to Clear Group Discussion

How to Clear Group Interview

DGCA Ground Class Brochure

Complete Information - Aircraft Instruments and Equipment: An overview of the instruments and equipment used by CPL holders.

Social Media

Get Free Counselling from our Counsellor

Join India’s Fastest-Growing Pilot Community – Learn Directly from Airline Captains!

Join the GE Pilot Community

Register for Webinar

Books Preview

Mastering Airline Interview

Instrument Navigation

Meteorology

General Navigation

Article, Blogs News, and Job Guide Information- Published By 4Achievers

An Overview of the Requirements for Obtaining a DGCA Computer Number for Military Pilots :

Aviation Communications :

Preparing for the Commercial Pilot License Test Series in India :

Ground Training for CPL :

What Types of Courses are Required for the Commercial Pilot License :

Flight Planning and Navigation :

The Cadet Pilot Program | Air India & Indigo Cadet Program Prep | Air India Cadet Program Classes :

Finding the Right Aviation Training in India :

Courses for Simulator Classes :

Understanding Aviation Regulations :

Understanding the Aircraft Pilots and the DGCA CPL Ground Classes :

What You Need to Know About Obtaining a DGCA Computer Number for Cargo Pilots :

Understanding the Requirements for the DGCA CPL Ground Classes :

Airline Pilot Career :

Air Navigation in Different Countries :

Simulator Classes for Aircraft Pilots :

What is the Job Outlook for Commercial Pilots :

A Quick Guide to Obtaining a DGCA Computer Number for Glider Pilots :

Common Mistakes Made in Simulator Classes :

How to Make Sense of Confusing Air Regulations Course Material :

Student Placement

Email

Phone

Office

Book a FREE Counseling