Which parameter is determined by the pitot tube to indicate indicated airspeed?

Which parameter is determined by the pitot tube to indicate indicated airspeed?

• A. Dynamic pressure
• B. Static pressure
• C. Total temperature
• D. Altitude

Answer: (A)

Indicated airspeed is determined by dynamic pressure. The pitot tube measures total (ram) pressure as the aircraft moves through the air. The static port provides the ambient static pressure. The air data system subtracts static pressure from the total pressure to obtain dynamic pressure, and this dynamic pressure is what the airspeed indicator translates into indicated airspeed. Static pressure isn’t used alone to show speed, total temperature is a separate measurement, and altitude is derived from static pressure (and temperature) rather than the pitot measurement alone.

Indicated airspeed is determined by dynamic pressure. The pitot tube measures total (ram) pressure as the aircraft moves through the air. The static port provides the ambient static pressure. The air data system subtracts static pressure from the total pressure to obtain dynamic pressure, and this dynamic pressure is what the airspeed indicator translates into indicated airspeed. Static pressure isn’t used alone to show speed, total temperature is a separate measurement, and altitude is derived from static pressure (and temperature) rather than the pitot measurement alone.