The Use of Pitot Tubes
Just been watching a TV program with the old man about AF447. He being an engineer thinks he knows everything about everything said it was ridiculous pitot tubes are still used on modern passenger jets for the measurement of airspeed. A 20 minute long debate ensued.
He stated there are other ways airspeed can be measured which would be less prone to icing. his examples were laser, ram air turbine type meter.
I basically said - it's simple, accurate, relatively aerodynamic and not prone to failure (besides blockage). he wouldn't have a bar of it.
There's obviously reasons why Mr Boeing and Airbus still use them over more sophisticated devices. He might listen to reasoning of more experienced pilots over myself; a 500h cpl bushie.
Damien