When are the TAT Probes and the Pitot Bases heated?

• A. Only In Flight
• B. Ground Operations Only
• C. Both In Flight and Ground
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

The important idea here is protecting air data sensors from icing to keep accurate readings. The TAT probes and Pitot bases are part of the anti-ice/anti-fog system that keeps the temperature and pressure data reliable as the airplane flies through moist, cold air. When the aircraft is in flight, there’s airflow and icing risk, so heating these sensors is activated to prevent ice from forming on their openings. This ensures the airspeed and temperature readings the flight instruments rely on stay correct for safe flight. On the ground, with little to no relative wind and lower immediate icing risk, the heaters aren’t required, so power isn’t used for them while the aircraft is parked or taxiing. That’s why the best answer is that they’re heated only in flight.