All
testing (VFR or IFR) can be performed at your hangar. No
travel charge for locations within 20 driving miles of our shop
at 4TX2.
We
are open for business 24 hours, 7 days a week and can accomodate
your schedule.
We
are available anytime for questions, recommendations or troubleshooting
assistance. Give us a call at 817-422-2714.
All
transponder-equipped aircraft, both VFR and IFR, must have their
systems tested and certified every two years (see FAR
91.413). In addition, aircraft operating under IFR must
also have their altimeter and static system tested and certified
every two years (see FAR 91.411).
In
addition, FAR 91.217 requires that
all transponder-equipped aircraft have their altimeter and encoder
checked for data correspondence after initial installation or
subsequent modification.
Note:
Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations also apply to Experimental
Aircraft.
VFR
Certification
For
VFR operations, the FAA requires all transponder-equipped
aircraft to be inspected to verify the proper operation of
the transponder and associated altitude-reporting equipment.
Transponders
systems that don't meet minimum requirements and/or are out-of-alignment
can cause significant problems with ATC radar systems, including
incorrect altitude readout, duplicate targets or no target
at all.
FAR
43, APPENDIX F, describes the transponder inspection requirements.
The tests are fairly simple and can be performed on the ramp
in about 30-45 minutes using our automated test equipment.
IFR
Certification
In
addition to the transponder tests required for VFR, IFR aircraft
are required to have their altimeter and static system inspected
and certified.
These
tests are more involved and usually requires the removal of
the altimeter and altitude encoder for bench testing and adjustment.
- The
altimeter is subjected to a series of tests to insure it
meets the minimum requirements for accuracy and repeatability.
- The
altitude encoder is checked against the primary altimeter
and adjusted as required to insure data correspondence.
- After
the equipment has been inspected and reinstalled in the
aircraft, a static system leak check is performed. Leaks
in the static system can cause significant errors in the
altitude reporting equipment (and airspeed) and are sometimes
difficult to locate.
FAR
43, APPENDIX E, describes the altimeter system inspection
requirements. Usually, the altimeter is removed and checked
on the bench along with the altitude reporting encoder to
insure data correspondance. Testing usually takes 2-4 hours,
depending on the type of equipment and aircraft.
