What measurement does the airspeed indicator primarily rely on from the Pitot Static system?

Prepare for your Helicopter PPL Checkride Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your pilot examination!

The airspeed indicator primarily relies on differential pressure within the Pitot Static system to provide an accurate measure of airspeed. When an aircraft is in flight, the Pitot tube measures the total pressure, which includes both the static pressure (the ambient air pressure) and dynamic pressure (the pressure due to the aircraft's motion through the air).

To calculate airspeed, the airspeed indicator subtracts the static pressure (measured from the static ports) from the total pressure measured by the Pitot tube. This difference is known as differential pressure, which directly correlates to the dynamic pressure of the airflow over the aircraft. The greater the dynamic pressure, the higher the indicated airspeed on the airspeed indicator.

This differentiation is essential because it allows the airspeed indicator to relate the change in air pressure due to the aircraft's velocity compared to the ambient air pressure, giving pilots vital information necessary for safe operation during different phases of flight.

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