If the AHRS fails, which instrument provides attitude information?

• A. GPS heading.
• B. Standby air data display.
• C. Standby attitude indicator.
• D. Inertial navigation display.

Answer: (C)

Attitude information is kept available by using a backup source that operates independently from the primary system. The standby attitude indicator fits this role because it uses its own gyroscope and separate power supply, so it can continue to display the aircraft’s pitch and bank even if the AHRS data is lost. This independent, dedicated attitude reference is what ensures the pilot still has orientation in an AHRS failure.

GPS heading only provides direction, not the aircraft’s attitude. The standby air data display shows airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, and other air data, not the aircraft’s orientation. The inertial navigation display covers navigation data and may incorporate attitude, but it isn’t the specific fallback that guarantees a direct attitude readout when the primary AHRS is unavailable.