Pitot Tube
What is pitot tube?
A forward-facing tube that captures ram (impact) air pressure as the aircraft moves through the air, feeding that pressure to the airspeed indicator. Because it can be clogged by insects or debris, it's fitted with a brightly colored cover on the ground and often a heating element to prevent ice from blocking it in flight. Think of it as the airplane's "scoop" for measuring how fast air is rushing into it.
Also known as: pitot, pitot heat, pitot tube heater
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