The Relative Bearing Indicator (RBI) is associated with a fixed reference orientation on its display. Which statement is true about this orientation?

• A. Zero is always indicated at the top of the instrument
• B. The needle points to magnetic north
• C. The instrument uses a rotating map
• D. The instrument is for engine monitoring only

Answer: (A)

The RBI presents its bearing with a fixed reference orientation, so the zero-degree mark stays at the top of the display. This means the relative bearing is read with respect to the aircraft’s nose: a beacon directly ahead corresponds to zero, and bearings to the left or right appear around the dial while the top reference remains stationary. This fixed orientation lets you quickly judge whether a station is left or right of your nose, independent of your current heading. The other statements don’t describe how RBI works: it doesn’t point to magnetic north, it doesn’t use a rotating map, and it isn’t only for engine monitoring.