Which component measures total pressure in the pitot-static system when airflow is brought to rest?

Which component measures total pressure in the pitot-static system when airflow is brought to rest?

• A. Static port
• B. Altimeter
• C. Airspeed indicator
• D. Pitot tube

Answer: (D)

Total pressure, or stagnation pressure, is the pressure present when the flowing air is brought to rest. The Pitot tube faces into the oncoming air and is designed to capture that stagnation pressure directly. This is why it provides the measurement of total pressure in the pitot-static system. The static port, by contrast, measures ambient static pressure, which is used alongside total pressure by the airspeed indicator to determine speed. The altimeter relies on static pressure to indicate altitude, not total pressure. So the Pitot tube is the component that measures total pressure when airflow is brought to rest.

Total pressure, or stagnation pressure, is the pressure present when the flowing air is brought to rest. The Pitot tube faces into the oncoming air and is designed to capture that stagnation pressure directly. This is why it provides the measurement of total pressure in the pitot-static system. The static port, by contrast, measures ambient static pressure, which is used alongside total pressure by the airspeed indicator to determine speed. The altimeter relies on static pressure to indicate altitude, not total pressure. So the Pitot tube is the component that measures total pressure when airflow is brought to rest.