What does the Pilot Static System measure?

• A. Temperature, pitot and static pressures
• B. Cabin pressure
• C. Humidity
• D. Fuel quantity

Answer: (A)

The Pilot Static System provides the static pressure reference that the whole air data system uses. From the pitot-static setup, pitot pressure (from the pitot tube) and static pressure are fed into air data calculations. The difference between pitot and static pressures gives dynamic pressure, which is what drives the airspeed indications, while static pressure alone is used for altitude and vertical speed. Temperature data are used by the air data system to correct readings, so the overall system relies on pitot pressure, static pressure, and temperature to provide accurate airspeed and altitude information. The other options aren’t supplied by this system.