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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-blocked-pitot-tube

A blocked pitot tube affects which instrument?

Only the airspeed indicator.

  1. The altimeter
  2. The airspeed indicator ✔
  3. The vertical speed indicator

Why: The pitot tube feeds ram air pressure only to the airspeed indicator. The altimeter and vertical speed indicator use static pressure alone. A blocked static port, by contrast, affects all three.

Huh, didn't know that: Visible moisture can block a pitot tube in flight, which is why some airplanes have pitot heat.

The dad joke
Why did the pitot tube see a doctor? It was feeling a little stuffed up.
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Sources

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8 https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-25c.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesWhen a pilot switches to the cabin alternate static source, the altimeter usually reads what?Flying & DronesOn an airspeed indicator, what does the bottom of the white arc mark?Flying & DronesWhat does the yellow arc on an airspeed indicator mean?

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