PA.IX.C.K2cFAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge
c. Pitot-static system malfunction
System and equipment malfunctions specific to the aircraft, including: c. Pitot-static system malfunction
Bottom line
The pitot-static system uses static air pressure and dynamic pressure to operate the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator. If the static reference system is severely restricted, but not entirely blocked, as the airplane descends, the instruments indicate the airplane is too high, too fast, and descending at a rate much lower than desired.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| higher than actual during descent with restricted static system | ASI error |
| ASI inaccurate; lower than actual above blockage altitude, faster than actual below it | Blocked static |
| may occur in visible moisture; pitot heat may be installed | Pitot blockage |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 8 (p. 8-1) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AFH ch. 18 (pp. 18-15–18-16) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- PHAK ch. 8 (p. 8-11) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-9) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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