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What is the Pitot-Static System and How Does it Work?

Northstar VFR

Pilots rely on the airspeed indicator and altimeter instruments to measure and display this vital information. The pitot tube is a peculiar looking probe on aircraft to our non-flying friends. Look closely on the underneath side of the tube and you’ll see a small drain hole where moisture drains out.

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Quiz: Understanding the airplane Pitot-Static System

Flight Training Central

Airspeed and altimeter. Airspeed, altimeter, and vertical speed. If a flight is made from an area of low pressure into an area of high pressure without the altimeter setting being adjusted, the altimeter will indicate lower than the actual altitude above sea level. What altitude does the altimeter indicate?

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Understanding pressure altitude and GPS altitude in aviation apps

iPad Pilot News

The panel in your airplane shows indicated airspeed (IAS, derived from the pitot tube on the wing), while the iPad shows groundspeed (derived from the GPS in your ADS-B receiver or iPad). While the altimeter in the airplane can be adjusted to correct for the local altimeter setting, there is no temperature knob to twist.

Altimeter 111
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The Classic Boeing Airspeed Indicator

AeroSavvy

Ram air from a pitot tube and static (undisturbed) outside air from a static port, usually a hole on the side of the fuselage. Airspeed indicators need air from a pitot tube and static air from a static port Small general aviation aircraft have airspeed indicators with air hoses connected directly to the pitot and static sources.