In the context of flight instruments, what does "cross-checking" refer to?

Cross-checking in the context of flight instruments is crucial for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the information a pilot receives during flight. This process involves comparing data from multiple instruments to confirm that they provide consistent and accurate readings. For example, if the altimeter indicates a certain altitude, the pilot would also check the vertical speed indicator and the airspeed indicator to see if they support that altitude reading.

By using cross-checking, a pilot can identify discrepancies among the instruments, which may indicate a malfunction or an erroneous reading due to instrument failure. The practice helps in maintaining situational awareness and is vital, especially in instrument flying, where external visual references may be limited or nonexistent.

Other options, while relevant to the broader context of flight operations, do not accurately define cross-checking. For instance, updating flight plans with air traffic control pertains to communication procedures, calculating fuel consumption involves managing flight logistics, and reviewing emergency landing procedures is part of safety protocols. None of these involve the verification of data from flight instruments in the same manner as cross-checking does.