Using Analog Instrumentation Introduction Airplane Attitude  Instrument Flying Chapter 6, Section I Attitude instrument flying is defined as the control of an  aircraft’s spatial position by using instruments rather than  outside visual references. Today’s aircraft come equipped  with analog and/or digital instruments. Analog instrument  systems are mechanical and operate with numbers  representing directly measurable quantities, such as a watch  with a sweep second hand. In contrast, digital instrument  systems are electronic and operate with numbers expressed  in digits. Although more manufacturers are providing aircraft  with digital instrumentation, analog instruments remain more  prevalent. This section acquaints the pilot with the use of  analog flight instruments.