How should a pilot determine the direction of bank using an attitude indicator?

To determine the direction of bank using an attitude indicator, a pilot should observe the relationship of the miniature airplane to the deflected horizon bar. The attitude indicator displays a miniature airplane symbol that represents the aircraft's wings and the horizon bar that signifies the level horizon. When the aircraft banks, the airplane symbol tilts relative to the horizon bar.

If the airplane symbol shows that it is above the horizon bar, it indicates a right bank, while if it is below the horizon bar, it indicates a left bank. This direct relationship clearly indicates the aircraft's orientation concerning the horizontal plane, making it an effective tool for gauging the direction of bank during flight.

While the other options mention other aspects of the attitude indicator, they do not specifically address the relationship between the aircraft’s orientation and the horizon bar in a way that would aid in determining the correct banking direction as clearly as the miniature airplane's position relative to the horizon bar does.