Which indicator would show the rate of climb or descent in the Cessna 172?

The Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) is designed specifically to show the rate of climb or descent in a Cessna 172. It achieves this by measuring the change in altitude over time, providing pilots with crucial information about their vertical performance. The VSI displays this as a rate, typically in feet per minute, allowing the pilot to adjust their climb or descent as necessary.

This instrument is essential for maintaining an effective flight profile; for example, during a climb, a positive rate of climb displayed on the VSI indicates that the aircraft is gaining altitude, while a negative rate indicates descent. In contrast, the other indicators serve different functions: the altitude indicator shows the current altitude but not the rate of change; the airspeed indicator indicates the speed of the aircraft through the air; and the turn coordinator indicates the rate of turn and whether the turn is coordinated but has no relation to vertical performance.