Detection of pitot tube and static port blockages

[NickN]

You'd think by now the tech experts would have devised a pre-flight automated test to confirm that the pitot tubes are functioning correctly.

[damien b]

Considering the pitot tube is really just a pressure delivery vessel with no moving parts, it wouldn't be an easy thing to achieve. Also, since the tube is external to the airframe, inducing a 'pressure' into the line to test it, would miss the actual tube on most aircraft. You could certainly reduce pressure in the static system via a inbuilt test system as its totally internal to the airframe.

[NickH]

Hi folks, I'm a new member and came across this thread while googling the subject. It's been on my mind for some years....

There is such a system which can determine pitot and static port problems both during ground ops, stationary and in flight, getting the industry to sit up and take notice though is another matter!.