Static port

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A static port in an aircraft is usually a small circular opening in the aircraft's skin. This opening is connected to a traditional altimeter via a tube. It is placed parallel to the (undisturbed) airflow in order to measure the static air pressure, which is used to determine the altitude of aircraft. Static port pressure is also an essential input to the airspeed indicator and vertical speed indicator.

Static ports are usually connected in pairs, one each side of the fuselage, in order to balance out errors due to sideslip.

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