Aircraft Systems

Pitot Ram Opening Blocked with Drain Hole Clear

FAA Ref: FAA-S-ACS-6C Area I Task G (Operation of Systems)

Scenario & Physics Summary

When ram air inlet is blocked by ice/bugs but the drain hole is OPEN, pitot pressure leaks out the drain, dropping indicated airspeed to ZERO.

Interactive 3D Visual Plates & Scenario Media

Pitot Ram Opening Blocked with Drain Hole Clear Plate 1

Plate 1: Pitot Ram Opening Blocked with Drain Hole Clear

Pitot Ram Opening Blocked with Drain Hole Clear Plate 2

Plate 2: Pitot Ram Opening Blocked with Drain Hole Clear

Pitot Ram Opening Blocked with Drain Hole Clear Plate 3

Plate 3: Pitot Ram Opening Blocked with Drain Hole Clear

Pitot Ram Opening Blocked with Drain Hole Clear Plate 4

Plate 4: Pitot Ram Opening Blocked with Drain Hole Clear

Aerodynamic & Operational Physics

Ram air pressure cannot enter the pitot tube.
Trapped pressure inside the line vents out the drain hole into ambient air.
Pressure in pitot line equals static ambient pressure. P_total - P_static = 0, causing Airspeed Indicator to drop to zero.

FAA Exam Gotcha Alert

Exam Trap: Differentiate between RAM ONLY blocked (ASI drops to 0) vs RAM + DRAIN blocked (ASI acts like altimeter).

Frequently Asked Questions & Exam Explanations

What happens to ASI if pitot ram inlet is blocked but drain hole remains open?

Trapped pressure leaks out the drain, causing indicated airspeed to drop to zero.

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