Introduction Since the beginning of manned flight, it has been recognized  that supplying the pilot with information about the aircraft  and its operation could be useful and lead to safer flight.  The Wright Brothers had very few instruments on their  Wright Flyer, but they did have an engine tachometer, an  anemometer (wind meter), and a stop watch. They were  obviously concerned about the aircraft’s engine and the  progress of their flight. From that simple beginning, a  wide variety of instruments have been developed to inform  flight crews of different parameters. Instrument systems  now exist to provide information on the condition of the  aircraft, engine, components, the aircraft’s attitude in the sky,  weather, cabin environment, navigation, and communication.  Figure 10-1  shows various instrument panels from the Wright  Flyer to a modern jet airliner.  Chapter 10 Aircraft Instrument  Systems