Airfoil, Pitot Tube and Stability

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Airfoil

Pitot Tube

Stability

Mach Number Explained: What It Is and Why Pilots Use It

Pilot Institute

JULY 11, 2025

When you reach around 36,000 feet (11,000 m) near the tropopause, the temperature stabilizes at around -56.5 °C. That’s the speed your airspeed indicator shows based on ram air pressure in the pitot tube. The tailplane (horizontal stabilizer) at high Mach can also develop shocks or experience disturbed airflow from the wings.

True Airspeed

True Airspeed Pilot Indicated Airspeed Lift

The Hazards of Aircraft Icing: Explained

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Remember that wings, propeller blades, and tail surfaces are airfoil-shaped. Ice build-up on the airframe changes the airflow pattern around these airfoils. It can also disrupt sensors needed for flight safety, like the pitot tubes. Most aircraft are equipped with a pitot heater to prevent icing in the pitot tube.

Pitot Tube

Pitot Tube Drag Lift Airfoil

Aviator Connection

Mach Number Explained: What It Is and Why Pilots Use It

The Hazards of Aircraft Icing: Explained

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