What is a Pitot-Static Probe?

Aircrafts are constantly adjusting for changes in atmosphere pressure as they transition through flight. The Pitot-Static system supplies Pitot and Static pressures from a single device allowing the measurement of airspeed, altitude and rates of altitude change. The Pitot-Static Probe is vented for both Pitot and Static lines. The airspeed indicator reacts to changes between the pitot air and static air. The altimeter and vertical speed indicators require only a venting of the static line.

Pitot-Static Probes are generally mounted near the leading edge of the wing which makes it susceptible to foreign matter, such as moisture and ice. All of Aero-Instruments' Probes, including Pitot-Static Probes, are designed with rugged heating elements to prevent ice accretion, water ingression, and buildup for reliable operation in the most adverse environmental conditions.

Useful References:
Military Specification MIL-P-26292 (USAF)
"Pilot and Static Pressure Systems, Installation and Inspection Of"
NASA Reference Publication 1046
"Measurement of Aircraft Speed and Altitude," Wm. Gracey, May 1980 #N80-24296