Question

What does the altitude rate essentially tell us?

(a) Vertical speed

(b) Rate of climb

(c) Rate of glide

(d) Rate of decent

This question was addressed to me in class test.

My question is from Air Data Equations in section Air Data Systems, Altitude and Heading Reference of Avionics

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) Vertical speed

For explanation: Air data computers usually provide an output identified as altitude rate which is an outgrowth of the early pneumatic vertical speed indicators which suffer from undesirable lags. Altitude rate combines accelerometer readings and pneumatic readings.