In this episode, we explore the invisible pressures that define every flight — literally. The pitot-static system is the unsung hero of your cockpit, quietly feeding air data to three critical instruments: the Airspeed Indicator, Altimeter, and Vertical Speed Indicator. By comparing static and dynamic pressures, it translates the physics of air into the language of altitude, speed, and climb.
We’ll break down how total pressure becomes airspeed, why static ports are more than just holes in the fuselage, and what really happens when the system goes rogue. From the aerodynamics behind alternate static sources to the time-honored emergency fix of shattering the VSI glass, this briefing takes you inside one of aviation’s most deceptively simple — and absolutely vital — systems.
Key topics:
How static and dynamic pressures work together to make flight data possible
The anatomy of the pitot tube and static ports
How instrument readings change with alternate static sources
Emergency procedures for static blockages
A deep dive into pressure, precision, and the principles that keep your instruments honest — even when the sky isn’t.
