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Heard a lead tech say we should skip the 2-year pitot-static recert on old GA planes
He argued it's just a cash grab from the shops, but I've seen static port blockages cause wonky altimeter readings twice this year alone in Denver. Is that corner-cutting worth the risk or am I being too strict about the regs?
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danielb4319d ago
Why roll the dice on an altimeter when your life depends on it?
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simonl1119d ago
My IA buddy flies a 1979 Piper Lance and his altimeter hasn't been recertified in 8 years, still reads within 10 feet of the GPS every time lol. Those 2-year regs were written for old analog stuff with gears and springs that wear out, but modern digital altimeters are way more stable and less prone to drift. If you're flying a newer panel with good redundancy and crosschecking against GPS altitude, the risk of a catastrophic failure from a slightly overdue recert is basically zero.
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vera_campbell19d ago
@danielb43 nailed it, that's just asking for trouble. I've seen static port blockages cause wild altimeter swings on a Cessna 172 at altitude, and the regs exist because people have died from that exact shortcut. Skipping a 2-year recert on older planes where corrosion and debris are more likely is pure false economy.
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