Pitot Static System

Question 1

What instruments does the pitot static system use?

Answer 1

Airspeed Indicator, Vertical Speed Indicator, Altimeter

Question 2

How does the airspeed indicator work?

Answer 2

Static Port puts air into case. Pitot Tube puts air into diaphragm (dynamic pressure)

Question 3

How does the VSI work?

Answer 3

Compares air pressure now to pressure 5 seconds ago via contraction or expansion of diaphragm

Question 4

How does the Altimeter work?

Answer 4

Static Air from port works as a restraint pressure.
When at lower altitude, more pressure exerted on aneroid wafers ((compressed) indicating low altitude
When at higher altitude, less pressure exerted on aneroid wafers (expanded) indicated higher altitude

Question 5

What is an pitot tube error?

Answer 5

If the pitot tube is blocked, the drain hole acts as a static port causing ASI to read 0, since there are two sources of static air pressure

If drain hole and tube are both blocked, pitot tube acts like an altimeter

If static port is blocked but tube is open, ASI works as reverse altimeter

Question 6

Your airspeed indicator stops working properly. What could have happened?

Answer 6

Possibly could have froze or become clogged due to debris or insect. Apply pitot heat. If still in-op rely on other instruments for airspeed and land ASAP