The Pitot Static Instruments

Three of the six primary flight instruments measure air pressure. These instruments—the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator—are called the pitot static instruments.

All three pitot static instruments are connected to a static port. This port, or intake, introduces outside air into the case of each instrument. As an airplane climbs or descends, air pressure decreases or increases. The altimeter and vertical speed indicator display these pressure changes as altitude and rate of climb or descent.

The airspeed indicator, which is also connected to the pitot tube, measures the difference between static pressure and ram air pressure in the pitot tube. It displays the pressure difference as speed, usually in knots or Mach number.

TIP: To test your ability to fly after one or more instruments fail, you can hide certain instruments or make them unreliable. For more information, see the topic "Setting Instrument Options" in the Using Flight Simulator section of Help.