Which instruments rely on the pitot-static system?

Which instruments rely on the pitot-static system?

• A. Airspeed indicator, Altimeter, Vertical Speed Indicator
• B. Turn Coordinator, Heading Indicator, Attitude Indicator
• C. Altimeter, Gyro Compass, Variometer
• D. Airspeed Indicator, Attitude Indicator, Vertical Speed Indicator

Answer: (A)

The pitot-static system provides pressure signals that feed several flight instruments. The airspeed indicator uses the dynamic pressure from the pitot tube and compares it to the static pressure to determine airspeed—the higher the dynamic pressure, the faster you’re going. The altimeter relies on static pressure alone; as you climb and ambient pressure drops, the altimeter’s calibrated mechanism shows a higher altitude. The vertical speed indicator measures the rate at which static pressure is changing over time, so it shows how quickly you’re climbing or descending. Instruments that depend on gyroscopes or magnetic sensors (like attitude indicators or heading indicators) aren’t fed by the pitot-static pressures, so they don’t rely on this system.

The pitot-static system provides pressure signals that feed several flight instruments. The airspeed indicator uses the dynamic pressure from the pitot tube and compares it to the static pressure to determine airspeed—the higher the dynamic pressure, the faster you’re going. The altimeter relies on static pressure alone; as you climb and ambient pressure drops, the altimeter’s calibrated mechanism shows a higher altitude. The vertical speed indicator measures the rate at which static pressure is changing over time, so it shows how quickly you’re climbing or descending.

Instruments that depend on gyroscopes or magnetic sensors (like attitude indicators or heading indicators) aren’t fed by the pitot-static pressures, so they don’t rely on this system.