Which device processes pitot-static data to provide airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed?

• A. Gyroscope
• B. Attitude Indicator
• C. Air Data Computer
• D. Altimeter

Answer: (C)

The device that reads pitot-static pressures and turns them into useful flight data is the Air Data Computer. It takes the pitot tube’s total pressure and the static port pressure, and, often with temperature input, computes dynamic pressure, altitude, and rate of altitude change (vertical speed). These calculations provide the readings for airspeed indicators, the altimeter, and the vertical speed indicator (or modern displays). A gyroscope powers the attitude indicator and doesn’t process pitot-static data. The altimeter uses static pressure to show altitude but doesn’t combine pitot data to derive airspeed or vertical speed. The Air Data Computer is the processor that combines those pressures to yield airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed.