What is one of the primary functions of the pitot-static flight instrumentation system?

One of the primary functions of the pitot-static flight instrumentation system is to provide information on airspeed and altitude. This system operates by using both the pitot tube, which measures the pressure of the air flowing into it to determine airspeed, and static ports that measure the ambient air pressure to determine altitude.

The airspeed is calculated based on the differential pressure between the pitot pressure and the static pressure, which is crucial for pilots to understand how fast the aircraft is traveling relative to the surrounding air. Meanwhile, altitude is determined from the static pressure reading by comparing it to a standard atmospheric model.

This information is vital for safe flight operations as it helps pilots make informed decisions about speed, climb, descent, and navigation. By accurately portraying these critical flight parameters, the pitot-static system plays an essential role in the overall flight instrumentation and safety of the aircraft.