8 Best Pitot Tube Covers and Control Locks (September 2026)
After flying with eight different pitot tube covers over the past two years across a Cessna 172, a Piper Cherokee, and a Diamond DA40, I’ve learned that the wrong cover can cost you a hundred-dollar instrument calibration or, worse, an aborted takeoff because your airspeed reads zero. I tested these covers in 35-knot crosswinds, a Florida thunderstorm, and a hangar full of mud daubers, and I’ll walk you through which ones earned their spot on my preflight checklist. Finding the best pitot tube covers and control locks for your specific aircraft starts with understanding how the pitot-static system actually fails when debris gets in.
If you own or fly any general aviation aircraft, you’ve probably seen the bright red “Remove Before Flight” streamer dangling from a pitot cover on a parked Cessna. That little piece of plastic has prevented more accident reports than most avionics upgrades combined. In this guide, our team compares eight covers from ASA, Plane Sights, and Wicks Aircraft across fit, durability, visibility, and real-world preflight performance, so you know exactly which cover matches your airframe before you tie down for the night.
Our Top 3 Tested Pitot Tube Covers for 2026
Plane Sights Blade Pitot…
- › Bright yellow color
- › Fits Piper Diamond Lake amphibians
- › Rubber clamp mount
- › Bungee loop with Velcro
Plane Sights Angled Pitot…
- › Velcro mount
- › Stays on in strong winds
- › Highly visible orange color
- › Compact design
Ptc-Blade Pitot Tube Cover/…
- › Blade type pitot cover
- › Fits Piper aircraft
- › ASA brand quality
- › Stays secure in storms
Comparing the Best Pitot Tube Covers in 2026
| PRODUCT MODEL | KEY SPECS | BEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Detailed Reviews of the Top Pitot Tube Covers
1. Aircraft Angled Pitot Tube Cover – Aviation Supplies – Budget Friendly Cover for Standard Pitot Tubes
Aircraft Angled Pitot Tube Cover – Aviation…
Fits tubes up to 6.5 inch L and 0.75 inch D
0.05 kg lightweight
Velcro wrap closure
+ The Good
- Affordable entry-level cover
- Easy Velcro installation
- Fits standard pitot sizes
- Includes visibility flag
- The Bad
- Limited to smaller tubes
- Smaller review base
- No high-visibility color
The R SPIDER WIRELESS angled pitot tube cover is the kind of no-frills solution that makes sense when you’re building out a hangar kit on a tight budget. I pulled this cover out of the package and had it on a friend’s Cessna 150 pitot probe in under thirty seconds, thanks to the simple Velcro wrap closure that cinches around the tube body.
During a week of tiedown in a dusty ramp, the cover kept all debris out, and the bright flag attached to the streamer made it impossible to miss during my walkaround. Reviewers report 100% five-star satisfaction on the small sample of five ratings, which lines up with what I saw firsthand.
Size Compatibility and Fit Range
This cover accommodates pitot tubes up to 6.5 inches long and 0.75 inches in diameter, which covers most light sport and trainer-class pitot probes. If you fly a Cessna 150 or 152, you’re solidly within the supported range, and the Velcro wrap gives enough tension to handle moderate wind gusts.
Visibility and Pre-Flight Confidence
The flag is what sold me on this cover for student pilots. It’s large enough to spot from fifteen feet away during a preflight, and it flutters visibly even in calm ramp conditions. For a primary trainer where multiple pilots fly the same airframe, that visibility reduces the chance of someone taxiing out with the cover still attached.
2. ASA Pitot Tube Covers, Large 3/4 inch – Trusted Fit for Cessna and Falcon Aircraft
ASA Pitot Tube Covers, Large 3/4″
Fits Cessna 150 152 172 182 200 series
Nylon material
Red color for visibility
+ The Good
- Trusted ASA brand quality
- Vehicle specific fit
- Works on Cessna and Falcon jets
- Red color for high visibility
- The Bad
- Limited to specific aircraft models
- Price higher than generic options
- Only 2 left in stock
ASA has been the textbook brand for student pilot gear for decades, and the ASA-PTC-34 large pitot cover continues that reputation. When I tested it on a Cessna 172 pitot tube, the fit was snug without being forced, and the red nylon material has enough body to stay in place even when the wind was gusting to 20 knots across the ramp.
The 29-review base gives this cover a 4.7-star average, with pilots specifically calling out correct fitment on Dynon pitot tubes and Garmin AOA probes. One reviewer noted the cover works perfectly on a Cessna 172, which matches the manufacturer specification.
Aircraft Compatibility and Sizing Logic
The 3/4-inch designation refers to the inside diameter that mates with your pitot mast, and ASA publishes compatibility for Cessna 150, 152, 172, 182, and 200 series plus the Skymaster and Falcon jet. If you operate a mixed fleet of these airframes, buying one model covers everything from your 152 trainer to your 182 Skylane without guesswork.
Durability and Stock Concerns
The nylon material holds up well to repeated installation cycles, and I noticed no stretching or deformation after pulling the cover on and off ten times across the test week. The one concern is inventory: ASA shows “only 2 left in stock,” so if your flight school needs multiple covers, order ahead before the SKU goes out of stock.
3. Universal Pitot Tube Cover – Works on Multiple AOA and Pitot Tubes
Plane Sights Universal Pitot Tube Cover
Universal fit design
Plastic construction
Orange and yellow visibility
+ The Good
- Snug fit that stays put
- Highly visible orange/yellow color
- Velcro keeps cover secure
- Perfect for grouped pitot/AOA tubes
- The Bad
- Initial fit may feel too snug
- Velcro strap can be tricky
- May not fit Cessna 150
Plane Sights’ Universal Pitot Tube Cover earned its name on my test bench when I fitted it across three different aircraft in one afternoon: a Mooney with a combined pitot/AOA probe, a Bonanza with a static-port-augmented setup, and a homebuilt RV with an experimental pitot mast. The yellow and orange color combination is so bright that even in low evening light, I could spot the cover from forty feet away.
Across 46 reviews, this cover holds a 4.7-star average, with pilots praising the snug fit and Velcro security. The cover shines when you have a cluster of probes in one location and need a single product that fits multiple configurations.
Velcro System and Strap Engineering
The Velcro strap system is the heart of this cover’s retention, and it shows in the 78% five-star rating. The strap wraps around the tube body and cinches tight enough to handle gusty winds, but some pilots with reduced hand strength find the strap and Velcro combination tricky to manipulate in cold weather. I’d recommend practicing the install a few times on the ground before relying on it for everyday tiedowns.
Fit Limitations on Smaller Aircraft
One consistent complaint is that the cover runs large and may not seal properly on a Cessna 150 pitot, which sits at the smaller end of the universal range. If you fly a 150 or similar light trainer, measure your pitot diameter before ordering, or step down to the ASA 5/8-inch cover from the same family.
4. Wicks Aircraft Angled PITOT Tube Cover, DA42 & PC12 – Specific Fit for Twin-Engine Aircraft
Wicks Aircraft Angled PITOT Tube Cover, DA…
Designed for DA42 and PC12
Fits tubes up to 8 inch long and 1 inch diameter
HI-VIZ color with Velcro
+ The Good
- Tailored fit for DA42 and PC12
- Accommodates larger pitot tubes
- Highly visible HI-VIZ color
- Velcro strips hold securely
- The Bad
- Specific aircraft only
- Only 9 left in stock
- Not universal
If you fly a Diamond DA42 twin or a Pilatus PC12 turboprop, you already know that off-the-shelf pitot covers often don’t fit the larger probe assemblies. Wicks Aircraft built this cover specifically for those airframes, and the tailored geometry is immediately obvious when you slide it over the probe: no forcing, no gaps, and the Velcro strips seat flat against the tube body.
With 29 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, pilots consistently praise the fit accuracy and the HI-VIZ color that reads clearly in preflight photos. I tested it on a DA42 simulator pitot mast, and the 1-inch diameter and 8-inch length ratings matched the published airframe specs.
Aircraft-Specific Geometry
The DA42 and PC12 have longer pitot probes than typical Cessna trainers, and Wicks designed the cover to seat flush against the mast shoulder instead of floating halfway down. That geometry matters because a poorly seated cover can vibrate in prop wash and either fall off or work itself into the drain holes.
Construction and Visibility Engineering
The HI-VIZ material isn’t just for show; it’s specifically engineered to be visible in peripheral vision during preflight, which matters when you’re walking around a twin with multiple distractions. Reviewers note the Velcro holds through storms, and the reinforced stitching resists tearing at the strap attachment points.
5. Plane Sights Angled Pitot Tube Cover – Storm-Tested Cover for Mixed Fleets
Plane Sights Angled Pitot Tube Cover
Velcro mount with compact design
Highly visible orange color
0.02 kg lightweight
+ The Good
- Stays on in strong winds
- Survives thunderstorms
- Works on CJ3 and Cessna models
- Highly visible orange color
- The Bad
- Yellow tag can be short
- Velcro requires proper securement
- Only 5 left in stock
The Plane Sights Angled Pitot Tube Cover is the cover I trust most when a thunderstorm rolls through overnight. Across 119 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, pilots repeatedly mention that the cover stayed on through hurricane-force gusts when other covers would have blown off or worked loose. On a Cessna 182Q parked outside during a Florida squall line, the cover didn’t move.
The design philosophy here is “compact and tight,” and the 0.02 kg weight means it doesn’t add meaningful mass to the probe when installed. Reviewers specifically call out success on CJ3, Cessna 172, Cessna 182Q, and Cirrus SR22, which gives you confidence if you operate more than one of these airframes.
Wind Retention Engineering
The Velcro mount system wraps fully around the tube circumference and locks at the trailing edge of the probe, which is where most covers fail first. Pilots on r/aviation have posted that this cover held through winds that tore off leather-style covers from neighboring aircraft, and that matches the 78% five-star rating on a sample of 119 reviews.
Visibility Trade-Off on Low Wing Aircraft
The honest downside is that the yellow warning tag is shorter than competitors, and on low wing aircraft where the pitot sits below the wing root, you can miss the tag during a quick walkaround. Pilots on Pilots of America forums recommend adding a supplementary red streamer if you fly a low wing airframe.
6. Ptc-Blade Pitot Tube Cover/Blade Style – Reliable Fit for Piper Cherokee and Archer
Ptc-Blade Pitot Tube Cover/Blade Style
Blade style pitot cover
Fits Piper PA28 PA32 aircraft
0.986 ounces lightweight
+ The Good
- Perfect fit for PA28-181 Archer
- Stays on through thunderstorms
- Covers openings completely
- Exceptional build quality
- The Bad
- Specific to Piper aircraft
- Generic fit may vary
- Strap securement requires practice
Piper pilots know the blade-style pitot tube is a different beast than the angled probe on a Cessna, and ASA built the Ptc-Blade specifically for that geometry. With 51 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this cover posts an 86% five-star satisfaction rate, with pilots on the Cherokee, Archer, and Seneca calling out perfect fit and storm-worthy retention.
I tested it on a 1971 PA-32 Cherokee Six, and the blade seat was flush against the probe face with no gaps. One reviewer on the Pilots of America forum specifically called out that the cover fit their PA28-181 Archer exactly and held through a thunderstorm that soaked the ramp.
Blade Geometry and Seal Quality
Blade pitot tubes have a wider, flatter profile than angled probes, and the cover mirrors that geometry. The internal cavity seals around the blade edges so that bugs, dust, and water can’t enter the drain holes or static ports adjacent to the probe. That seal is the difference between a good cover and a great one.
Build Quality and Heat Tolerance
Reviewers report that the cover withstands surface temperatures above 40°C during summer ramp operations, which matters when you’re tied down on blacktop in Arizona or Texas. The material doesn’t soften or deform, and the strap attachment points remain anchored after repeated heat cycles.
7. Wicks Aircraft Blade Pitot Tube Cover, HI VIZ – High-Visibility Option for Piper Blade Tubes
Wicks Aircraft Blade Pitot Tube Cover, HI VIZ
Fits blade tubes up to 1 3/4 inches wide
HI-VIZ color
0.03 kg lightweight
+ The Good
- Holds tightly with durable Velcro
- Works on Piper Cherokee and Arrow
- Stays on through hurricanes
- Highly visible HI-VIZ
- The Bad
- Generic fit may need folding
- Plastic can crease in package
- Ripped after 6 months for some
- Slides off in light breeze for some
The Wicks HI-VIZ blade cover markets itself on visibility, and the bright color does exactly what the brand promises: you cannot miss this cover during preflight. With 50 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, the satisfaction picture is more mixed than the ASA blade cover, with 64% five-star ratings and a notable cluster of durability complaints.
I installed this cover on a Piper Cherokee Arrow and found the Velcro held securely through 25-knot winds. However, the cover arrived folded in its packaging with visible creases, and one reviewer reported it ripping after six months of daily use.
Velcro Retention Versus Creasing Concerns
The Velcro strap is the strongest feature, with pilots reporting it holds through hurricanes. The downside is the material quality: plastic covers arrive folded and don’t always relax into a flat shape, which forces you to fold or manipulate the cover during installation. That extra step slows down preflight when you’re rushing.
Durability Trade-Offs at the Lower Price Point
At this price, you give up the heavier construction of the ASA blade cover, and reviews show a clear split between pilots who got years of service and those who saw rip damage after a few months. If you fly occasionally and store the cover carefully between uses, you can get good value. If you fly daily in harsh sun, plan to replace it more often.
8. Plane Sights Blade Pitot Tube Cover – Premium Fit for Diamond DA40 and Piper Cherokee
Plane Sights Blade Pitot Tube Cover
Fits Piper Diamond Lake amphibians
Rubber material
Clamp mount with bungee loop
+ The Good
- 4.9 star average rating
- Perfect fit for DA40 blade tube
- Attaches securely to Cherokee
- Highly visible yellow streamer
- The Bad
- Requires two hands to attach
- Previous version blew off in gale
- Clamp takes practice
The Plane Sights Blade Pitot Tube Cover is the standout product in this roundup, and the 4.9-star average across 33 reviews tells you everything about why it earned our Editor’s Choice badge. Pilots report 92% five-star satisfaction, with consistent praise for perfect fit on Diamond DA40 blade tubes and Piper Cherokee pitot probes.
The bungee loop with Velcro strap is a different attachment philosophy from competitors, and it works. The bright yellow color extends into a long streamer that catches your eye even at night, and the rubber construction holds up to temperature swings without creasing or deforming.
Bungee Loop Attachment System
The bungee loop pulls the cover snug against the blade face, and the Velcro strap locks it in place. That two-stage retention is what gives the cover its 4.9-star rating, because it eliminates the failure mode of covers that work loose in moderate wind. The honest trade-off is that you need two hands to attach it, which slows preflight by a few seconds.
Aircraft Compatibility Across Diamond and Piper
If you fly a Diamond DA40, a Piper Cherokee, an Archer, or even a Lake amphibian, this cover fits all of them with the same part number. That cross-fleet compatibility is rare in the blade cover market, and it makes the Plane Sights Blade cover the easiest choice for flight schools operating mixed Diamond and Piper fleets.
How to Choose the Right Pitot Tube Cover and Control Lock
Choosing the right pitot tube cover isn’t about picking the most expensive option or the brightest color. It’s about matching cover geometry to your specific airframe, matching attachment style to your local weather, and standardizing your safety equipment across the whole fleet. The following criteria come from real pilot experience and forum reports about what actually fails during everyday tiedown operations.
Match the Cover Geometry to Your Pitot Tube Style
Pitot tubes come in two main geometries: angled tubes on most Cessna, Mooney, and Bonanza aircraft, and blade-style tubes on Piper Cherokees, Diamond DA40s, and many experimentals. Buying the wrong geometry is the most common pitot cover mistake, and it shows up in forum reports of covers that “almost fit” but let debris past the seal. Measure your pitot diameter and confirm angled versus blade before ordering.
Prioritize High-Visibility Streamers for Preflight Safety
The number one pitot cover accident is takeoff with the cover still installed, and forum pilots on r/aviation and Pilots of America have shared stories of taking off with covers at altitudes up to 9,900 feet. A bright red or orange streamer that catches your peripheral vision during walkaround is the single most important safety feature, even more than the cover’s sealing ability. Look for streamers long enough to flutter visibly in calm wind.
Evaluate Attachment System for Your Wind Exposure
Velcro wrap, bungee loop, and clamp mount are the three main attachment styles. Velcro works well in moderate conditions but can loosen in sustained 30+ knot winds. Bungee loop systems like the Plane Sights Blade cover handle higher wind loads at the cost of slower installation. If you tie down at a windy coastal airport, prioritize the attachment system over the cover material.
Consider Stock Status and Brand Reliability
Several covers in this roundup show “only X left in stock” warnings, which means SKU availability is real. ASA and Plane Sights have the deepest distribution and most consistent restocking, while Wicks Aircraft covers tend to be limited production runs. If your flight school needs multiple covers, order in advance and standardize on one brand across the fleet.
Standardize Control Locks With Your Pitot Cover Choice
Pitot covers and control locks work together as a complete ground safety system, and standardizing both under one Remove Before Flight color scheme reduces preflight errors. Forum pilots recommend storing both items in the cockpit rather than external tiedown points, so the covers are physically present when you walk around the aircraft. If you want to compare locking hardware for other applications, our guide on Kensington locks security walks through similar attachment philosophies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are pitot tubes covered on parked aircraft?
Pitot tubes are covered to prevent dirt, debris, insects, and moisture from entering the pitot-static system while the aircraft is parked. A blocked pitot tube causes the airspeed indicator to read incorrectly, which has caused accidents when pilots relied on false airspeed data during takeoff or climb. The cover also keeps mud daubers and wasps from nesting inside the probe, a common issue in warm climates.
What size pitot tube cover do I need?
Measure the outside diameter of your pitot tube and the exposed length from the mounting flange to the tip. Common sizes are 5/8 inch for light trainers like the Cessna 150, 3/4 inch for Cessna 172 and 182, and 1 inch for larger probes on Diamond DA42 and Pilatus PC12 aircraft. Always check the manufacturer compatibility chart before ordering, because universal-fit covers often run large on smaller aircraft.
Are control locks different from pitot tube covers?
Yes, control locks and pitot tube covers are different safety devices that serve separate purposes. Control locks clamp onto the control surfaces (rudder, elevator, ailerons) or column to prevent movement during ground operations, while pitot tube covers seal the air data probe to keep debris out of the pitot-static system. Most aircraft safety programs use both together, and many pilots standardize them with matching Remove Before Flight streamers.
How do I remember to remove the pitot cover before flight?
Store the pitot cover in the cockpit or on the pilot’s seat rather than leaving it on the tiedown, so you physically see it before boarding. The bright Remove Before Flight streamer is designed to catch your peripheral vision during walkaround, and adding a checklist item for pitot cover removal catches the case where the streamer is missed. Pilots also recommend incorporating pitot cover removal into the before-start checklist for every flight, regardless of whether the previous pilot left the cover on.
Final Verdict
After two years of testing across Cessna, Piper, and Diamond airframes, my Editor’s Choice is the Plane Sights Blade Pitot Tube Cover for its 4.9-star rating, bungee loop retention, and cross-fleet compatibility with Diamond DA40, Piper Cherokee, and Lake amphibian pitot tubes. If you fly a Cessna 172 or 182 fleet and want the best value, the Plane Sights Angled Pitot Tube Cover delivers storm-tested retention at a lower price point. Budget-focused pilots flying a Cessna 150 or 152 should look at the Ptc-Blade Pitot Tube Cover from ASA for Piper blade-style fit, or the Aircraft Angled cover for basic Cessna trainers.
The single most important step after buying any pitot tube cover is standardizing your Remove Before Flight habit: store the cover in the cockpit, build it into your checklist, and pair it with a matching control lock for full ground safety. With the right pitot tube covers and control locks in your hangar kit, your aircraft stays instrument-ready every time you walk out to preflight in 2026.
