Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your IFR Certification!

When the pitot system becomes blocked, the aircraft's airspeed indicator will primarily provide unreliable readings due to the loss of dynamic pressure information. If the pitot tube is completely blocked while the aircraft continues to fly, the indicator may display a constant value, which will not accurately represent the true airspeed.

In many scenarios, particularly during a climb or descent, as the aircraft's altitude changes, the static pressure will also change, which can cause the airspeed indication to behave unpredictably. If the aircraft continues to gain speed while the pitot tube remains blocked, the indicated airspeed may show an increase, creating a false impression that the aircraft is accelerating.

A knowledge of these principles is crucial for pilots, as recognizing the implications of a blocked pitot system can inform emergency procedures and ensure safe operations under IFR conditions. Understanding how airspeed readings can be affected by system blockages allows pilots to take appropriate corrective measures, such as relying on alternate means of determining speed or making informed decisions about their flight path.