Pitotverwarming

Pitotverwarming is a system designed to prevent ice formation on the pitot tube of an aircraft. The pitot tube is a critical component of the airspeed indication system, measuring ram air pressure to determine the aircraft's speed. Ice accumulation on the pitot tube can block the opening, leading to inaccurate or complete loss of airspeed information, which can be extremely dangerous.

The pitot heating system typically consists of an electric heating element embedded within or around the pitot tube. This element is powered by the aircraft's electrical system. When activated, either manually by the pilot or automatically by temperature sensors, the heating element generates warmth, preventing ice from forming or melting any ice that has already begun to accumulate.

Pitot heating is a standard safety feature on most modern aircraft, especially those operating in cold weather conditions or at altitudes where icing is a concern. Pilots are trained to monitor the pitot heating system and ensure it is functioning correctly during flight. The activation and deactivation procedures are outlined in the aircraft's flight manual. The energy consumption of the pitot heating system is a consideration for aircraft electrical load management, particularly during extended operations in icing conditions.