Pitot-Static failure

 

Pitot-Static failure

    The pitot-static system provides information to the instrument panel, specifically the airspeed indicator, the vertical speed indicator, and the altimeter. The information provided helps a pilot understand the aircraft's performance while in flight. But what if this system were to fail? Given that system redundancy is available in most aircraft, failure might be possible if your aircraft is only equipped with one pitot tube and one static port. In the event of loss, because of the connections to each instrument, the display characteristics would vary based on the source that has failed. For instance, if the tube were to fail, the airspeed indicator would still be functioning, but it would not be accurate. If a static port were to fail, the displayed information in the altimeter and vertical speed indicator would show the last information before failure, and the airspeed indicator would be inaccurate. Failure of this system can be managed, but it can also lead to devastation if not recognized early. 

    Managing a pitot-static failure can be tricky, especially if you do not know what to look for and interpret the displayed information with the aircraft's other systems, such as power and angle of attack. I think that preparation and prevention both play a role in mitigating the situation if a failure does occur. Preventing the possibility by ensuring proper protection of the ports and tubes is practiced when the aircraft is not in use. This includes protective covers and cleaning practices. This will help prevent the possibility of foreign object debris (FOD) from blocking the input holes or channels. In addition, ensure that the pitot-tube heat is on during take-off and in-flight during cooler operations to prevent ice buildup. Knowing the system and the functions of each instrument display will aid a pilot in recognizing a failure and allow for accurate decisions for aircraft corrections to prevent further incidents. 

Pitot-Static Failure (2019) Aviation Safety. Retrieved from: Pitot-Static Failures - Aviation Safety (aviationsafetymagazine.com)

Katz, P. (2016) Blocked Pitot Tubes. Plane to Pilot Magazine. Retrieved from: Blocked Pitot Tubes - Plane & Pilot Magazine (planeandpilotmag.com)

Bencini-Tibo, L. (2019) Pitot-Static System Failure. Aviation Web. Retrieved from: Pitot–Static System Failure - AVweb

Burnside, J. (2019) Pitot-Static System Failures. Aviation Safety Magazine. Retrieved from: Pitot-Static System Failures - Aviation Safety (aviationsafetymagazine.com)