Which instrument uses dynamic pressure to determine airspeed?

Which instrument uses dynamic pressure to determine airspeed?

• A. Altimeter
• B. Attitude Indicator
• C. Airspeed Indicator
• D. Vertical Velocity Indicator

Answer: (C)

Dynamic pressure is what the airspeed indicator uses to determine airspeed. The pitot tube faces into the airflow and measures stagnation (total) pressure, while static ports sense the ambient pressure. The instrument compares these two pressures and uses a diaphragm mechanism to translate the pressure difference, dynamic pressure, into a readable indicated airspeed on the dial. This reading changes with speed and air density, so it reflects indicated airspeed rather than true speed unless corrected. In contrast, the altimeter relies on static pressure to show altitude, the attitude indicator uses a gyroscope to indicate orientation, and the vertical velocity indicator shows rate of climb or descent by measuring changes in static pressure.

Dynamic pressure is what the airspeed indicator uses to determine airspeed. The pitot tube faces into the airflow and measures stagnation (total) pressure, while static ports sense the ambient pressure. The instrument compares these two pressures and uses a diaphragm mechanism to translate the pressure difference, dynamic pressure, into a readable indicated airspeed on the dial. This reading changes with speed and air density, so it reflects indicated airspeed rather than true speed unless corrected. In contrast, the altimeter relies on static pressure to show altitude, the attitude indicator uses a gyroscope to indicate orientation, and the vertical velocity indicator shows rate of climb or descent by measuring changes in static pressure.