What does the term 'position error' affect?

Position error refers to the inaccuracies that can arise in various aircraft instruments due to the aircraft's position relative to the sensors used for measuring parameters like airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed. This term is commonly associated with the impact of airflow disturbances around the aircraft when it is in flight, which can lead to faulty readings in multiple instruments.

The airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator can all be affected by position error because they rely on static and dynamic pressures. The altimeter measures the ambient pressure, and any discrepancies due to pressure changes or airflow can lead to erroneous altitude readings. Similarly, the airspeed indicator can be influenced by position error as it relies on dynamic pressure; if the pressure measurements are inaccurate, the indication of speed will also reflect this error. The vertical speed indicator depends on static pressure changes as well, which can also introduce error. Thus, position error can significantly impact these instruments, influencing the pilot's understanding of the aircraft's performance and behavior.

Overall, the correct option encompasses the range of instruments that position error can affect, highlighting an essential aspect of instrument flying and the need for pilots to be aware of potential inaccuracies in their readings due to external factors.