How is the standby airspeed indicator operated?

The standby airspeed indicator operates using pitot and static pressure from the secondary pitot/static system. This system is designed as a backup in case the primary airspeed measurement systems fail or become unreliable. The secondary pitot/static system draws from its own pitot tube and static port, providing independent readings to ensure that pilots have access to essential flight data.

This redundancy is vital for maintaining situational awareness and safety during flight, especially in critical conditions where accurate airspeed information is necessary for safe operations. The operation of the standby airspeed indicator in this manner ensures that if the primary system is compromised, the standby system can still provide accurate airspeed readings, enhancing the reliability of the aircraft’s instrumentation.