Airspeed Indicator

The airspeed indicator displays the speed of the glider through the air in knots. 100 knots equals 115 miles per hour. During flight training, you will typically experience airspeeds in flight between 35 and 90 knots although the glider is capable of going faster.

The airspeed indicator is the only instrument that depends on both pitot pressure and static pressure. When pitot pressure and static pressure are the same, zero airspeed is indicated. As pitot pressure becomes progressively greater than static pressure, indicated airspeed increases. The airspeed indicator contains a small diaphragm that drives the needle on the face of the instrument.