Chapter 4
AIRSPEED INDICATOR
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9AN41 Aircraft instruments-II
Airspeed terminology:
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Principle of operation:
When moved through air, Pitot tube will pick up the air pressure
made up of dynamic pressure + static pressure. This pitot pressure is fed
through a pipeline to one side of a sealed chamber, divided by thin
flexible diaphragm. The static tube is not affected by the dynamic
pressure as its end is closed, but small holes at the sides will pick up
local static pressure. The static pressure is fed through a second pipeline
to other side of diaphragm. Static pressure in both the chambers
balances out each other. Only the dynamic pressure moves the
diaphragm. This movement is transmitted through a mechanical linkage
to a pointer on the face of ASI in terms of speed.
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Typically Pitot tube and static tube may be combined i.e. Pitot tube
inside static tube. A heater is incorporated between pitot and static
tube to prevent the formation of ice causing blockage. Drain holes are
provided to remove moisture and condensed water vapor.
Construction of ASI:
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Safety precautions:
Servicing errors:
i. It must be verified that Pitot tube is in straight line into the wind
i.e. neither up/ down or left/ right. The tube end should be 3 and
7/8 inches away from the wing as specified. During test flight it is
always advisable to fly 1.3 times the air speed requirement.
ii. The pipelines/ union may seem to be perfect, still a leak test must
be carried out to ascertain a leak proof pipeline circuit.
iii. Make sure that pitot/ static tube and static vents are clean and
dust free. No attempt should be made to clean the holes which
could enlarge it or make it rough. Surrounding of the static holes is
usually of brass plated, secured flush, which must be cleaned/
polished as specified.
iv. Dismantling of aircraft instruments, replacements of gears and
calibration/ certification is performed by a certified person.
However removal/ fitment of instruments, pitot/ static probe,
pipelines/ unions and leak checks can be performed in the field.
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