Read the passage below and answer the question that follows:
Aircraft airspeed indicators rely on a forward-facing Pitot tube to measure ram air pressure generated by forward motion. When flying through cold, moisture-rich clouds, ice can accumulate at the tube opening, blocking incoming airflow and causing the indicator to register zero or dangerously inaccurate speeds. To prevent ice accumulation, modern aircraft are equipped with electrical heating elements embedded directly into the Pitot probe. Pilots must activate Pitot heat prior to entering visible moisture when temperatures are near or below freezing, ensuring reliable speed measurements throughout the flight.
Match each statement on the left with its correct evidentiary evaluation on the right based on the passage.
- Activating probe heating elements helps maintain reliable airspeed readings in freezing clouds.Supported inference: The text directly explains that heating elements stop ice from blocking the airflow needed for accurate speed readings.
- Engine shutdown is a direct consequence of ice forming inside the Pitot tube.Unsupported claim: The passage links Pitot icing solely to airspeed indicator inaccuracies rather than engine operation.
- Environmental conditions can physically compromise the collection of flight speed data.Supported inference: The text demonstrates that sub-freezing moisture blocks the probe opening and disrupts pressure measurement.