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Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 546 of 934

The static system is blocked, but the pitot tube is clear. The airplane flies above the altitude where the blockage occurred. What does the ASI show?

  1. A lower airspeed than the actual airspeed
  2. A higher airspeed than the actual airspeed
  3. The correct airspeed
  4. Zero
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Correct answer: A lower airspeed than the actual airspeed

The trapped static pressure is higher than normal for that altitude. At a lower altitude, the ASI reads faster than actual.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Blockage of the Pitot-Static System — Blocked Static System, page 213

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026