What system is employed in the Pilatus PC-12 NG for monitoring airspeed?

The pitot-static system is utilized in the Pilatus PC-12 NG for monitoring airspeed. This system functions by measuring the dynamic pressure of the air outside the aircraft, which is captured through a pitot tube. The static pressure is obtained from strategically placed static ports on the aircraft's fuselage. The difference between these two pressures allows the airspeed indicator to provide an accurate reading of the aircraft's speed through the air.

This is a crucial aspect of flight instrumentation, as accurate airspeed readings are essential for safe operations, including takeoff, cruise, and landing phases. The pitot-static system operates independently of other systems, ensuring that airspeed data is reliable and instantaneous, which is vital for piloting the aircraft effectively.

In contrast, the autopilot system mainly assists in maintaining a set flight path or altitude but does not directly monitor airspeed. The GPS navigation system is designed for position tracking and route guidance, providing information related to navigation rather than airspeed. The electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) does display airspeed, but it relies on data from the pitot-static system to do so. Thus, the pitot-static system is the foundational mechanism for airspeed monitoring in the Pilatus PC-12 NG.