Commercial Pitot Static Testing and the Benefits of Using Semi-Automated Air Data Test Equipment

Pitot Static Testing on the Flightline

Years have gone by without significant advancements in the more commoditized testing functions of aircraft. Old faithful still rings true for most wrench turners grinding it out everyday to play their part in the safest aircraft regulatory environment ever. For aircraft transponder and pitot-static system tests, as required by FAR 91.411 and 91.413, these certifications cannot be performed using automation. The inspector is required to perform leak checks and accuracy verification by commanding the air data test set to each set of the required set point, then visually verify the readings on the instrumentation and readouts. But, wouldn’t it be nice to perform some of these functions at the same time, thereby saving an immense amount of time as compared to sequential testing operations with limited equipment.

The use of semi-automated pitot static test equipment offers significant advantages over manual testing methods for commercial aviation and maintenance repair organizations. Pitot static systems are critical components of aircraft, providing essential data for airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed measurements. Additionally, some newer aircraft equipped with SmartProbes can test other parameters, such as Angle of Attack (AoA). Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these systems is paramount for flight safety and regulatory compliance. And doing them all simultaneously is a huge time-saver for the maintenance teams at MROs around the globe.

Keep reading at Aviation Maintenance Magazine.