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

Pilot Institute

Key Takeaways Mach number is a dimensionless ratio of true airspeed to local speed of sound. Mach number is simply a ratio of your true airspeed to the local speed of sound. Since it’s a ratio, it doesn’t matter if you measure speed in knots, miles per hour, or meters per second. Here’s why. What Is Mach Number?

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Airspeed and Altitude Control Simplified: Tips for Stable Flying

Pilot Institute

If you’re aiming to get comfortable with managing both airspeed and altitude in flight, you’ll need to understand the difference between indicated airspeed (IAS) and true airspeed (TAS). Key Takeaways Airspeed and altitude are directly linked to each other throughout different phases of your flight. miles per hour.

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Exploring the Intricacies of the Airspeed Indicator

Pilot's Life Blog

In short, an airspeed indicator measures the ram pressure and compares it to static pressure to determine how fast a plane is moving. Moving air from outside feeds into the pitot tubes and fills a pressure diaphragm. True airspeed (TAS) is the difference between the indicated airspeed and actual speed.