Pitot-Static Test Equipment

Pitot-Static Test Equipment
 The pitot-static system must be tested periodically to

ensure instrumentation that uses pitot and static
pressures as inputs provide accurate indications to
the flight crew.
 Typical instrumentation on pitot-static test
equipment includes an altimeter, vertical speed
indicator, and airspeed indicators.
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 Optional features of many testers includes a
chronograph and pressure indicators for the test unit
pitot and static pressures.

 There are two types of diagnostic equipment used for
testing the pitot-static system based on their mode of
operation.
 One type operates by the technician manually
pumping a small hand pump to change the system
pressure.
 The second type operates on electrical power to
change the system pressure.

 The aircraft maintenance manual describes how to
safely connect and conduct testing on the aircraft.
 The test equipment manufacturer includes
instructions with the equipment on how the
equipment is connected to the aircraft and its safe
and proper operation.

 The technician must ensure that equipment and
aircraft limitations are not exceeded when using this
equipment as serious damage to the avionics systems
can result from improper testing procedures.

 Pitot-static test equipment is calibrated and should
be checked for compliance prior to starting testing
procedures.
 The equipment generally consists of a test kit or box
that contains the various valves and indicators
needed for testing.

 Connect the kit to the aircraft with the hoses and
fittings that come with the kit.
 To prepare the aircraft for testing of the pitot-static
system the technician must block off the appropriate
static ports using tape or approved covers.

 In some transport category aircraft, the aircraft must
be "fooled" into a configuration that makes the on
board computer think that the aircraft is in a flying
configuration.

 Be sure to check your aircraft manual for the proper
configuration for the test being conducted.
 Connect the test equipment hoses to their respective
locations.
 Ensure that hoses are placed about the aircraft in a
manner that reduces the odds of being stepped on or
interfered with by other ground support equipment.

 Perform the functional test paying particular
attention to airspeed, and vertical ascent/descent
rates, keeping within aircraft and equipment
limitations.
 Electronic versions of the pitot-static tester are
available and provide digital display of information
and programmable limits for operational rates to
avoid system and equipment damage.

 If the system fails during testing, double check that
all ports are properly sealed and the aircraft is
correctly configured.

 If the system fails the check again, review the entries
in the aircraft logbook for the last time an avionics
component was maintained or replaced. A loose
fittings around that component is likely.
 Should the system still not pass the test, another test
unit can be used to ensure that there is not a problem
with the tester.

 If the system continues to fail, the technician must
either replace a defective aircraft indicator or check
all fittings in the pitot-static system until the
malfunction is corrected.
 As always, record results with a logbook entry or work
card sign off.

 Upon completion of the test procedures, ensure the
removal of blocking covers and tape used.
 Carefully store all equipment ensuring no hoses are
pinched or damaged.

Leak Testing of Pitot-Static Systems
 Aircraft pitot-static systems must be tested for leaks:-
 After the installation of any component parts.
 At any time system malfunctioning is suspected.
and
 At the periods specified in the aircraft
Maintenance Schedule.

 The method of testing consists basically of applying
pressure and suction to pressure heads and static
vents, respectively, by means of a special leak tester
and coupling adapters, and noting that there is no
leakage, or the rate of leakage is within the
permissible tolerances prescribed for the system.

 Specific applications of the basic method of leak
testing and the type of equipment recommended
depend on the type of aircraft and its pitot-static
system, and as these are detailed in relevant
manufacturer's and aircraft Maintenance Manuals,
reference must always be made to these documents.

 There are, however, certain aspects of the procedures
and precautions to be observed which are of a
standard nature, and these are summarized for
guidance as follows:
 (a)Pressure and suction must always be applied and
released slowly to avoid damage to instrument
capsules.

 (b)If two static vents are interconnected, one vent
should be blanked off before the tests are
commenced.
 (c)When fitting leak tester adapters to pressure
heads, care must be taken not to apply loads which
tend to disturb their alignment.

 (d)In carrying out a leak test of a static pressure
system an apparent leak will be indicated by the
dropping back of the altimeter pointer.
 This is a normal indication which stabilizes when the
static pressure across the vertical speed indicator
capsule has equalized.

 (e) When conducting leak tests and functioning
checks of air data computer systems, the electrical
power supply must not be interrupted as there is the
possibility of the system becoming desynchronized.

 (f)When testing a system to which autopilot altitude
and air-speed locks are connected, the autopilot must
be powered but not engaged with the aircraft's flight
control system.

 (g) On completion of tests which have necessitated
the blanking-off of various sections of a system, a
check must be made that all blanking plugs and
adapters have been removed.

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Pitot-Static Test Equipment

 The pitot-static system must be tested periodically to

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