Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 12, 2024

These two simple features power three of the most important cockpit instruments. This setup is called the pitot-static system. 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.

Pitot Tube 98

Pitot Tube Altimeter Descent Airplanes 98

Plane and Pilot

MAY 31, 2025

1 cause of general aviation accidents remains loss of control (LOC). However, these preventable accidents can happen anywhere in our aviation world. Suddenly, one of the Airbus three redundant pitot tubes clogged with ice crystals. Not surprisingly, the No. Sadly, theres an average of about one LOC event a week.

Airplanes 92

Airplanes Pitot Tube Pilot Lift 92

AeroSavvy

OCTOBER 26, 2020

Airlines are upgrading older cockpits with newer displays, so this old indicator will soon become a relic. Ram air from a pitot tube and static (undisturbed) outside air from a static port, usually a hole on the side of the fuselage. The instrument provides pilots with a surprising amount of information.

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Indicated Airspeed Knot Altimeter 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

When you’re starting to feel human again after major surgery, what’s a good plan for getting safely back into the cockpit? Generally, it is regarded as the most brutal surgery out there, and here’s what I did. Repairs included replacing the pitot tube/angle-of-attack sensor and the outside air temperature probe.

Pitot Tube 85

Pitot Tube Approach Aileron Instrument Landing System 85