Definition
An electronic device that receives pitot (ram) and static air pressure inputs, along with outside air temperature, and calculates derived flight parameters such as airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, and Mach number. The computed values are then sent to the cockpit displays and other aircraft systems that need them.
Plain English
A small computer that takes in air pressure and temperature readings from outside the aircraft, does the math, and feeds the results to the instruments that show altitude, speed, and climb or descent rate.
Context Anchor
Seen in pitot/static system discussions and in aircraft with electronic flight displays or other systems that need calculated air information.
Derivation
"Air data" refers to information about the air the aircraft is moving through — its pressure, temperature, and how the aircraft's motion affects them. "Computer" simply means the device that processes this data into useful numbers.
Why Pilots Care
Supplies accurate, real-time flight data to displays and autopilot systems, reducing pilot workload and improving safety in instrument conditions.
Analogy
It works like a calculator connected to sensors: the sensors provide the raw measurements, and the computer turns them into useful flight numbers.
Intuition Check
Do not think of this as a general laptop-style computer. In this context, it is a dedicated aircraft unit that calculates air-related flight instrument information.
Example Sentence 1
After the air data computer failed, the pilot switched to the standby instruments for airspeed and altitude information.
Example Sentence 2
Before takeoff the pilot confirmed the air data computer was receiving valid sensor inputs.