azaviator08
New Member
According to 91.411 altimeter and static system checks are only required for IFR flight.
I have heard this argued both ways - some say it is also required for VFR flight when a transponder is required because it is required for the altimeter to give the correct info to the transponder.
Any interpretations/comments?
Here is one interpretation I read from a post from awhile back:
You are misreading 91.411 as though it applied to VFR flight. 91.411 mearly establishes that a Pitot Static check is required for IFR flight.
If you fly VFR in controlled airspace and have an altitude reporting transponder installed, and turned on to ALT, then the pitot static system must be checked every 2 years as part of the transponder altitude correlation tests required under 91.413 and Appendix E/F to Part 43. The transponder's blind encoder determines altitude using baromteric pressure by way of a connection to the pitot static system and must be within 125 feet of what is showing on your altimeter. Any leaks or blockages in the pitot static system will make the transponder's altitude reporting very innacurate and you will get a nasty-gram from the FAA when ATC thinks you are flying 500 feet off requested altitude.
If you are flying an aircraft that was Type Certificated without an electrical system (ie: J3 Cub), fly only in uncontrolled airspace, and/or never request navigational ATC assistance, or are flying with the transponder removed for maintenance, then no pitot static check is required for VFR flight
Reference 91.215, 91.217, 91.413, and Appendix E, and F to Part 43.
I have heard this argued both ways - some say it is also required for VFR flight when a transponder is required because it is required for the altimeter to give the correct info to the transponder.
Any interpretations/comments?
Here is one interpretation I read from a post from awhile back:
You are misreading 91.411 as though it applied to VFR flight. 91.411 mearly establishes that a Pitot Static check is required for IFR flight.
If you fly VFR in controlled airspace and have an altitude reporting transponder installed, and turned on to ALT, then the pitot static system must be checked every 2 years as part of the transponder altitude correlation tests required under 91.413 and Appendix E/F to Part 43. The transponder's blind encoder determines altitude using baromteric pressure by way of a connection to the pitot static system and must be within 125 feet of what is showing on your altimeter. Any leaks or blockages in the pitot static system will make the transponder's altitude reporting very innacurate and you will get a nasty-gram from the FAA when ATC thinks you are flying 500 feet off requested altitude.
If you are flying an aircraft that was Type Certificated without an electrical system (ie: J3 Cub), fly only in uncontrolled airspace, and/or never request navigational ATC assistance, or are flying with the transponder removed for maintenance, then no pitot static check is required for VFR flight
Reference 91.215, 91.217, 91.413, and Appendix E, and F to Part 43.
