All
testing (VFR or IFR) can be performed at your hangar. Note:
There is an additional charge to travel to your location.
We
are available 7 days a week to accomodate your schedule. Give
us a call at 817-422-2714.
All
transponder-equipped aircraft, both VFR and IFR, must have their
transponder tested and certified every two years (see FAR
91.413). Aircraft operating under IFR must also have their
altimeter(s), encoder 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
following any subsequent modification or maintenance.
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.
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 15-30 minutes using our automated test equipment.
IFR
Certification
In
addition to the transponder tests required for VFR, IFR
aircraft are required to have each altimeter,
encoder 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. In some cases, testing can be done in the
aircraft.
- 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 2-3 hours,
depending on the type of equipment and aircraft.
