What is the purpose of the heading indicator in IFR flight?

• A. To display the aircraft's magnetic heading, stabilized by the gyro, independent of the magnetic compass.
• B. To measure airspeed.
• C. To indicate vertical movement.
• D. To show attitude relative to horizon.

Answer: (A)

The heading indicator provides a stable, gyro-stabilized readout of the aircraft’s magnetic heading for instrument flight. It uses a directional gyro to keep the heading line steady despite turns, acceleration, or turbulence, so you have a reliable reference even when the magnetic compass is unreliable. The instrument is set or aligned with a known magnetic heading (from the compass) to correct drift and maintain accuracy. It does not measure airspeed, indicate vertical movement, or show attitude relative to the horizon—that’s what the airspeed/altimeter or vertical speed indicator and attitude indicator are for.