What is a Pitot-Static tester?
Pitot-Static testers/air data test sets are pressure generators and measurement instruments that can simulate the altitude and speed of onboard aircraft equipment. The role of the pitot-static system is to monitor critical flight instruments such as altimeters, airspeed & vertical speed indicators, and Mach meters.
How does a Pitot-Static probe work?
The pitot-static system of instruments uses the principle of air pressure gradient. It works by measuring pressures or pressure differences and using these values to assess the speed and altitude. These pressures can be measured either from the static port (static pressure) or the pitot tube (pitot pressure).
What do I do if my static port is blocked?
In the case of a blocked static source, opening the alternate static source introduces static pressure from the flight deck into the system. Flight deck static pressure is lower than outside static pressure. Check the aircraft AOM/POH for airspeed corrections when utilizing alternate static pressure.
How often is a pitot static check required?
The pitot static system is required to be tested every two years. This can be done on the aircraft with test equipment or the units can be removed and sent into an authorized repair station, like Duncan Aviation.
How much does a pitot static check cost?
IFR Certifications costs $250 and generally take 1-2 hours. VFR Certifications cost $175 and generally take 1-2 hours.
How many pitot tubes does a 737 have?
There are five sets of pitot tubes on the 737, organized into two groups, the pitot tubes on the nose are used for airspeed measurements, independent for the pilot and copilot and one as a backup. There are two pitot tubes on the tail that are for the “elevator feel and centering unit” (pdf; page 8).
What are the 3 pitot-static instruments?
So, there is three flight instruments that ultimately use this pitot-static system – the airspeed indicator, the altimeter, and the vertical speed indicator. Starting from the airspeed indicator, we see here that I’ve kind of illustrated that the airspeed indicator uses both the pitot source and the static source.
Is it OK to exceed VNO?
Vno doesn’t need to be treated as a Vne (never exceed) speed, because your airplane is certified to fly within that range under the right conditions. As long as you’re cautious, you won’t damage the aircraft.
How often must the altimeter and static system be checked?
every 24 calendar months
Altimeter/Pitot-Static System Check – Each altimeter and static pressure system must undergo an inspection to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards every 24 calendar months if the aircraft is to be used for IFR flight.
How long does a pitot static test take?
An IFR certification test generally takes 2 to 2½ hours to complete including paperwork. A VFR certification test is much less involved and will generally take 1 to 1½ hours to complete including paperwork.