What does the pitot tube measure in an aircraft?

The pitot tube measures total combined pressures during flight, which includes both static pressure and dynamic pressure. This total pressure is critical for determining airspeed, as it provides the necessary information for calculating the difference between the total pressure and the static pressure.

During operation, the pitot tube captures airflow, and the air pressure inside the tube rises in proportion to the aircraft's airspeed. This rise in pressure is what allows the airspeed indicator in the cockpit to provide accurate readings.

While other instruments and components in the aircraft measure static pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels, the specific function of the pitot tube is to combine these pressures to derive the dynamic response of the aircraft in flight. This is essential for understanding performance metrics like airspeed, which plays a critical role in safe aircraft operation.