Vertical speed indicator (VSI)

Definitions

• An instrument that uses static pressure to display a rate of climb or descent in feet per minute. The VSI can also sometimes be called a vertical velocity indicator (VVI).
• An instrument that continuously records the rate at which an aircraft climbs or descends. Usually measured in FPM. A required instrument in a balloon.
• A rate-of-pressure change instrument that gives an indication of any deviation from a constant pressure level.

References

• Airplane Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2021
• Balloon Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2024
• Instrument Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2014
• Powered Parachute Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2007
• Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2008