Pitot-Static Systems

No matter how much automation we fly behind, no matter how many air-data computers are installed and no matter how simple it is, it’s likely a pitot-static system—pretty much like the one Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic—is what generates airspeed and some other basic flight information aboard the aircraft we fly. These systems are relatively simple, consisting of basic sensors, some plumbing and sensitive instrumentation. The difference in air pressure does all the work.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite increasing automation, the relatively simple pitot-static system remains critical for airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed indications, and its failure can lead to catastrophic accidents.
• A blocked pitot tube typically causes the airspeed indicator to act as an altimeter, erroneously showing increasing airspeed with climb, a factor in accidents like Northwest 6231 and Air France 447.
• A blocked static port leads to different instrument errors: the altimeter freezes at the blockage altitude, the vertical speed indicator reads zero, and the airspeed indicator provides inaccurate readings.
• Pilots must understand these distinct failure modes, learn to cross-check other flight instruments, and know corrective actions such as engaging pitot heat, utilizing an alternate static source, or emergency procedures.

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