Sistema Pitot-Estático

Summary

This video explores the workings of the pitot-static system, which powers three essential flight instruments: the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and variometer. The script delves into the types of air pressure—static, dynamic, and total—and how they influence the system. It explains the components like the pitot tube, which measures total pressure, and the static port, which measures static pressure. The video also covers potential issues like icing, position errors, and the use of alternate static ports. Additionally, it touches on the importance of redundancy in multi-engine aircraft, enhancing system reliability.

Takeaways

• 😀 The pitot-static system powers flight instruments like the velocimeter, altimeter, and variometer by measuring air pressure.
• 😀 The 'six pack' of flight instruments includes the speedometer, attitude indicator, altimeter, turn coordinator, heading indicator, and variometer.
• 😀 Three types of air pressure are involved: static pressure, dynamic pressure, and total pressure (pitot pressure).
• 😀 Static pressure is the atmospheric pressure exerted evenly on objects, varying with altitude. It decreases as altitude increases.
• 😀 Dynamic pressure depends on the speed of the aircraft and the air density. Faster speeds result in higher dynamic pressure.
• 😀 Total pressure is the sum of static and dynamic pressure, experienced by the aircraft moving through the air.
• 😀 The pitot tube measures total pressure (static + dynamic) and is usually located on the aircraft's wing or fuselage to avoid interference from other parts.
• 😀 The static port measures only static pressure and is strategically placed to avoid dynamic pressure interference, although it can still have errors in certain conditions.
• 😀 Position errors can occur in both the pitot tube and static port, especially at high angles of attack or when performing maneuvers like slow flight.
• 😀 In case the static port gets blocked, an alternate static port located inside the cabin can be activated, though it introduces slight errors in measurements.
• 😀 Larger or multi-engine aircraft often feature two independent pitot-static systems for redundancy and accuracy, allowing cross-checking of instrument readings.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the pitot-static system in an aircraft?

The pitot-static system is responsible for measuring air pressure to power specific flight instruments, namely the velocimeter (airspeed indicator), altimeter, and variometer (vertical speed indicator).

How many basic flight instruments are there in an aircraft and what are they?

There are six basic flight instruments in an aircraft: speedometer, attitude indicator, altimeter, turn coordinator, heading indicator, and variometer (vertical speed indicator).

What are the three types of air pressure measured by the pitot-static system?

The three types of air pressure are static pressure, dynamic pressure, and total pressure.

What is static pressure, and how does it change with altitude?

Static pressure, or atmospheric pressure, is the pressure exerted by the air on objects within the atmosphere. It decreases with altitude because the air molecules are less dense at higher altitudes.

What is dynamic pressure and how does it relate to an aircraft's speed?

Dynamic pressure is the pressure exerted by air on an object moving through it. It increases as the speed of the aircraft increases and is directly influenced by both the aircraft's speed and the air density.

What is total pressure, also known as pitot pressure, and how is it measured?

Total pressure is the sum of static pressure and dynamic pressure. It is measured by the pitot tube, which collects both pressures as the aircraft moves through the air.

How does the pitot tube measure air pressure and where is it typically located on an aircraft?

The pitot tube measures the total pressure by sensing the impact of air as the aircraft moves through it. It is typically located under the wings of small aircraft or at the front of the fuselage of larger aircraft.

What are the potential issues with the pitot tube, and how are they addressed?

The pitot tube can be blocked by ice, dirt, or insects. To prevent this, it is equipped with a heating system to melt ice, and it has a drain hole to remove water. A cover is also used on the ground to prevent blockage before flight.

What is the role of the static port in the pitot-static system?

The static port measures static (atmospheric) pressure and provides this information to the altimeter, airspeed indicator, and variometer. It is located on the side of the fuselage to avoid measuring dynamic pressure.

How do position errors affect the measurements of the static port and pitot tube?

Position errors occur when the aircraft is in a skid or slide, causing dynamic pressure to enter the static port or affecting the alignment of the pitot tube. These errors are corrected using calibration tables.