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The Pitot-Static System: How It Works

Pilot Institute

In this article, well break down how the pitot-static system works, what it measures, and why its so important. Key Takeaways The pitot-static system measures airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed. Blockages in the pitot tube or static port can lead to inaccurate or failed instrument readings.

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NTSB Issues Deicing Safety Alert

AV Web

SA-097 emphasizes “as little as 1/4 -inch of wing-leading edge ice accumulation can increase the stall speed by 25 to 40 knots and cause sudden departure from controlled flight.” The alert also warns that Ice buildup on pitot tubes can lead to instrument failure, impacting readings for airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed.

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Flight Review: Van’s RV-12 LSA—Singular Success

Plane and Pilot

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. Airplanes in the LSA category have some performance limitations, so the RV-12 gets right to the 120-knot max cruise figure.

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Airspeed and Altitude Control Simplified: Tips for Stable Flying

Pilot Institute

It’s typically measured in knots (nautical miles per hour), with one knot being about 1.15 It works by reading the difference between static pressure and total pressure from air flowing into a pitot tube. For example, if you’re flying at 90 knots IAS at 7,000 feet, your true airspeed will be around 102 knots.

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Exploring the Intricacies of the Airspeed Indicator

Pilot's Life Blog

Moving air from outside feeds into the pitot tubes and fills a pressure diaphragm. The sensor detects the amount of force from the pitot impact pressure and gives it airspeed indications by converting those values into speed. As altitude increases, the stall speed decreases as there is less air resistance.

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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.

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Getting Back in the Air

Plane and Pilot

This 172 had a flap extension speed of 85 knots, and my old Cessna 172’s limit was 100 mph, or 87 knots. Repairs included replacing the pitot tube/angle-of-attack sensor and the outside air temperature probe. The newer 172 (46 years old) did and had a 3-G limit with flaps extended.