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Pitot-Static System
The system of pressure-sensing instruments that includes the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator. It works by comparing ram air pressure (from the pitot tube) with static atmospheric pressure (from static ports). Under 14 CFR 91.411, the altimeter and static pressure system must be tested within the preceding 24 calendar months for IFR operations in controlled airspace.
Related Terms
- POH (Pilot's Operating Handbook)The manufacturer handbook that contains operating limitations, procedures, performance data, and systems information for a specific aircraft. For many airplanes the approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or POH satisfies the 14 CFR 91.9 requirement to have operating limitations available in the aircraft.
- Position LightsNavigation lights that show an aircraft's orientation: red on the left wingtip, green on the right, and white on the tail. Approved position lights are required for night VFR under 14 CFR 91.205(c) and help other pilots judge relative position in the traffic pattern.
- Precision ApproachAn instrument approach that provides both lateral and vertical electronic guidance to the runway, such as an ILS, GLS, or PAR. RNAV (GPS) LPV and LNAV/VNAV procedures also provide vertical guidance and are flown to a decision altitude, but the FAA classifies them as approaches with vertical guidance (APV) rather than precision approaches.
- Preflight ActionThe pilot-in-command duty under 14 CFR 91.103 to become familiar with all available information concerning a flight before departure. Required items include runway lengths, takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives if the flight cannot be completed, and known ATC delays; "all available information" includes NOTAMs.