Indicated airspeed is derived from which type of pressure?

Indicated airspeed is derived from which type of pressure?

• A. Stagnation pressure
• B. Static pressure
• C. Dynamic pressure
• D. Total pressure

Answer: (C)

Indicated airspeed is based on dynamic pressure. In a Pitot-static system, stagnation (total) pressure is measured by the Pitot tube and static pressure is measured by the static port. The difference between these two pressures gives dynamic pressure, which is proportional to velocity (q = 1/2 ρ V^2). The airspeed indicator is calibrated to translate that dynamic pressure, assuming standard atmospheric density, into an indicated airspeed. Static pressure alone or stagnation pressure alone won’t reflect speed—the key is their difference, the dynamic pressure.

Indicated airspeed is based on dynamic pressure. In a Pitot-static system, stagnation (total) pressure is measured by the Pitot tube and static pressure is measured by the static port. The difference between these two pressures gives dynamic pressure, which is proportional to velocity (q = 1/2 ρ V^2). The airspeed indicator is calibrated to translate that dynamic pressure, assuming standard atmospheric density, into an indicated airspeed. Static pressure alone or stagnation pressure alone won’t reflect speed—the key is their difference, the dynamic pressure.