What instrument becomes inoperative if the pitot tube becomes clogged?

Prepare for your Private Pilot Glider Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ready yourself for the main exam!

Multiple Choice

What instrument becomes inoperative if the pitot tube becomes clogged?

Explanation:
Airspeed indicator relies on the dynamic pressure from the pitot tube to show speed. If the pitot tube is clogged, there’s no ram pressure reaching the instrument, so it cannot measure the difference between ram pressure and static pressure. As a result, it will not display true airspeed and can read zero or fluctuate unreliably. The other instruments aren’t dependent on the pitot line: the altimeter and vertical speed indicator use static pressure, and the attitude indicator uses a gyroscope, so they can continue to operate correctly as long as the static system and gyro are functioning. Hence, the airspeed indicator is the one that becomes inoperative when the pitot tube is blocked.

Airspeed indicator relies on the dynamic pressure from the pitot tube to show speed. If the pitot tube is clogged, there’s no ram pressure reaching the instrument, so it cannot measure the difference between ram pressure and static pressure. As a result, it will not display true airspeed and can read zero or fluctuate unreliably. The other instruments aren’t dependent on the pitot line: the altimeter and vertical speed indicator use static pressure, and the attitude indicator uses a gyroscope, so they can continue to operate correctly as long as the static system and gyro are functioning. Hence, the airspeed indicator is the one that becomes inoperative when the pitot tube is blocked.

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