Which instrument is primarily affected by a malfunctioning static system?

The altimeter is primarily affected by a malfunctioning static system because it relies on static pressure to function properly. The altimeter measures changes in atmospheric pressure to determine altitude. If there is a malfunction in the static system, such as a blockage or leak, it can lead to inaccurate readings.

For instance, if the static port is blocked, the altimeter might freeze at a certain altitude, not reflecting any actual changes in altitude due to climbing or descending. Similarly, if the static pressure fluctuates incorrectly due to a fault in the system, it can cause the altimeter to read higher or lower than intended.

Understanding the role of the static system is crucial, as it provides the necessary ambient air pressure data to several other instruments as well, such as the vertical speed indicator, which displays the rate of climb or descent. However, its direct dependency on the static system makes the altimeter the most affected by any malfunctions in that system.

While other instruments like the airspeed indicator and vertical speed indicator also utilize static pressure, their design allows them to have some level of redundancy or alternative factors influencing their readings, making them less directly impacted compared to the altimeter. The turn coordinator, on the other hand, operates on gyroscopic principles and does