What are the primary components of the pitot-static system and how can blockage or leaks affect indications?

• A. Blockages may cause incorrect airspeed readings, altimeter errors, and VSI anomalies
• B. Pitot tube alone measures speed
• C. Only static ports affect indications
• D. The pitot-static system has no impact on flight indications

Answer: (A)

The pitot-static system uses two pressure sources: the pitot tube senses dynamic pressure as you move through air, and the static ports sense ambient static pressure. The airspeed indicator relies on the difference between pitot (dynamic) pressure and static pressure, while the altimeter and vertical speed indicator rely on static pressure alone or its rate of change. When a blockage or leak occurs, these pressure readings can no longer be measured accurately, so the instruments give misleading indications. A blocked pitot tube prevents the airspeed indicator from seeing dynamic pressure, leading to an unreliable airspeed reading. A leak or blockage in the static system affects the readings for altitude and vertical speed, causing the altimeter and VSI to become unreliable or erratic. Because the instruments share the same pitot-static pressures, a fault can disrupt all three indications, which is why blockages or leaks are commonly described as affecting airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed readings.