Free Pitot-Static Simulator
See how pressure, blockages, and flight instruments fit together.
See how pitot-static instruments work
Pilot Rise built this free pitot-static simulator to connect pressure, plumbing, and instrument indications. Change the flight conditions, introduce a blockage, and see why the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator respond differently.
- Follow the pressure lines
- Explore blocked sources
- Look inside the instruments
How does the pitot-static system work?
The airspeed indicator compares pitot and static pressure. The altimeter and vertical speed indicator use static pressure. Try changing one thing at a time.
- Start with clear openings
Change airspeed, then climb or descend. Follow the pressure lines to see which instruments respond.
- Block the pitot inlet
Compare an open drain with a blocked drain. With the inlet and drain both blocked, watch the airspeed indication change as altitude changes.
- Block the static supply
Climb or descend and compare actual altitude with the altimeter, VSI, and airspeed indications.
What happens when the static port is blocked?
With the pitot inlet clear and static pressure trapped, the altimeter holds its blockage-altitude indication. The VSI settles at zero. The airspeed indicator underreads above the blockage altitude and overreads below it. Use the simulator to connect each effect to its pressure source.
Sources and further reading
Questions about Pitot-Static Simulator
Which instruments use the pitot-static system?
The airspeed indicator uses both pitot and static pressure. The altimeter and vertical speed indicator use static pressure.
What happens when the pitot tube is blocked?
The drain matters. With the pitot inlet blocked and drain open, airspeed indication falls toward zero. If both inlet and drain are blocked while static remains clear, trapped pitot pressure makes indicated airspeed rise in a climb and fall in a descent.
Is the pitot-static simulator free?
Yes. Pilot Rise provides this public simulator free for personal practice and instructor demonstrations. It illustrates conventional instruments; use your aircraft’s approved handbook and instructor guidance for actual procedures.
Put it into practice
Open Pitot-Static Simulator to try it for yourself, or explore the rest of the tools we build at Pilot Rise.
