In this episode of Aerodynamic_Poison, we uncover the inner workings—and hidden pitfalls—of one of aviation’s most deceptively simple flight instruments: the altimeter.

At first glance, it’s just a dial showing how high you are. But beneath that glass lies a delicate stack of evacuated metal wafers—an ingenious barometric system translating pressure into altitude. We’ll explore how this mechanical marvel measures your height above the earth, the role of the Kollsman window, and why a single oversight in setting barometric pressure can turn a routine flight into a terrain hazard.

From the chilling reality of “GOING FROM A HIGH TO A LOW, LOOK OUT BELOW” to the cold-weather warning “FROM HOT TO COLD, LOOK OUT BELOW,” this episode dissects the physics, standard atmosphere assumptions, and operational corrections that every pilot must master to fly safely.

Join us as we decode how the atmosphere conspires to deceive the altimeter—and how skilled aviators stay one step ahead of it.

In this episode, we explore the invisible pressures that define every flight — literally. The pitot-static system is the unsung hero of your cockpit, quietly feeding air data to three critical instruments: the Airspeed Indicator, Altimeter, and Vertical Speed Indicator. By comparing static and dynamic pressures, it translates the physics of air into the language of altitude, speed, and climb.

We’ll break down how total pressure becomes airspeed, why static ports are more than just holes in the fuselage, and what really happens when the system goes rogue. From the aerodynamics behind alternate static sources to the time-honored emergency fix of shattering the VSI glass, this briefing takes you inside one of aviation’s most deceptively simple — and absolutely vital — systems.

Key topics:

• How static and dynamic pressures work together to make flight data possible

• The anatomy of the pitot tube and static ports

• How instrument readings change with alternate static sources

• Emergency procedures for static blockages

A deep dive into pressure, precision, and the principles that keep your instruments honest — even when the sky isn’t.

In this episode we explore one of aviation’s most critical — and often misunderstood — safety systems: aircraft anti-ice and deice technology. Icing can transform a safe flight into a dangerous situation within minutes, disrupting lift, control, and engine performance. But how exactly do modern aircraft defend against this invisible threat?

We’ll break down the fundamental difference between anti-icing and deicing systems, examine how aircraft protect key components like wings, propellers, and windshields, and discuss the pneumatic, thermal, and chemical technologies that make it possible. From inflatable boots and bleed-air heating to ThermaWing and weeping-wing systems, this briefing covers how these systems work, when they’re used, and what their limitations are.

We’ll also dispel long-standing myths like “ice bridging”, highlight the importance of preflight system checks, and explain why even the best ice protection systems don’t make an aircraft “ice-proof.”

Whether you’re a pilot, technician, or aviation enthusiast, this episode delivers a clear, technical, and safety-focused overview of how aircraft stay ice-free — and why vigilance remains the ultimate safeguard.

✈️ Tune in for a crisp, high-altitude exploration of the science and strategy behind ice protection in flight.