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The instrument that provides pilots with an "artificial horizon" is the attitude indicator. This instrument displays the aircraft's orientation relative to the horizon and indicates whether the wings are level or if the aircraft is climbing, descending, or turning.

The attitude indicator is crucial for flying in conditions where visual references are limited, such as in clouds or at night, allowing pilots to maintain control of the aircraft by providing vital information about its pitch and bank angle.

In contrast, the altitude indicator measures the aircraft's height above a specific reference point, typically sea level, without providing information about the aircraft's orientation. The speed indicator shows the current airspeed of the aircraft, which is important for performance but does not indicate altitude or orientation. The vertical speed indicator measures how quickly the aircraft is rising or descending, again providing different information than the attitude indicator. Thus, the attitude indicator is the only instrument specifically designed to function as an artificial horizon, making it essential for safe flight in all conditions.