A flight instrument that shows the angle of the aircraft relative to the horizon is called what?

The flight instrument that shows the angle of the aircraft relative to the horizon is the attitude indicator. This instrument provides crucial information about the aircraft's orientation in three-dimensional space, specifically indicating whether the wings are level with the horizon, or if the aircraft is climbing, descending, or turning. It displays this information through a symbolic representation, often using a horizon bar against which the aircraft's symbol is positioned.

Understanding the aircraft's attitude is vital for pilots, especially during visual and instrument flying when external references to the horizon may be limited or obscured. This capability helps pilots maintain proper orientation and make necessary adjustments to the flight path, which is essential for safe operation during various flight conditions.

The other instruments listed serve different purposes; for example, the vertical velocity indicator measures the rate of altitude change, the altimeter indicates the aircraft's altitude, and the airspeed indicator shows the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air. While all these instruments provide important data, they do not convey the aircraft's orientation relative to the horizon, which is the unique function of the attitude indicator.