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What two pressures does an airspeed indicator compare?

It compares pitot ram pressure and static pressure.

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  1. Oil and fuel pressure
  2. Ram and static pressure ✔
  3. Cabin and tire pressure

Why: The pitot tube faces the airflow and senses ram pressure. A static port senses undisturbed outside pressure, and their difference indicates airspeed.

Huh, didn't know that: The direct cockpit reading is called indicated airspeed.

The dad joke
The pitot tube faced the wind because it liked direct answers.
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References

Answer: Ram and static pressure. The pitot tube faces the airflow and senses ram pressure. A static port senses undisturbed outside pressure, and their difference indicates airspeed.

  1. Aerospace Dimensions Module 2: Aircraft Systems and Airports akwg.cap.gov/media/cms/Module_2__Aircraft_Systems_and_Airp_1A4CD2C6AF085_eae81.pdf
    The difference between the ram air and the still air gives what is known as a pressure differential.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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