What is the function of an artificial horizon?

The function of an artificial horizon, also known as an attitude indicator, is to show the aircraft's orientation relative to the horizon. This instrument is crucial for pilots, especially during instrument flight conditions when visibility is limited, as it provides essential information about the aircraft's pitch and roll.

The artificial horizon displays a miniature representation of the horizon; the aircraft symbol moves relative to this horizon line, indicating whether the wings are level, climbing, or descending. This is vital for maintaining control of the aircraft and ensuring that it is flying safely and in the desired attitude, particularly when the natural horizon is not visible, such as in cloud cover or at night.

In contrast, the other functions listed do not pertain to an artificial horizon. An indication of aircraft speed is provided by aairspeed indicator, while fuel consumption is monitored by fuel flow instruments. Distance to waypoints is tracked using a navigation system or GPS, not an attitude indicator. Understanding the specific role of each instrument is key for effective aircraft operation and safety.