IFR/VFR and RVSM
Altimeter & Transponder Certifications
WE ARE EQUIPPED TO HANDLE YOUR
91.411 AND 91.413 CERTIFICATIONS
When you start out as a pilot, you fly under VFR ratings. Meaning you fly using visual references. Once you earn your PPL you can then train to become Instrument Rated to fly IFR. Flying IFR, is a great protection for any pilot, especially in poor visibility.
According to FAA Guidelines, All transponder-equipped aircraft for both certified and experimental aircraft must have their transponder tested and certified every two years.
If operating under IFR you must have the altimeter(s), encoder, and static system tested and certified every two years.
In addition, after modification, maintenance, or at initial installation you must have the altimeter and encoder checked for data correspondence.
Baker Avionics has the latest specialized testing equipment, as well as certified and trained staff to quickly and efficiently keep you flying the skies.
With our newest equipment, it also, enables us to do RVSM Certifications as well. Along with one of the best troubleshooters in the industry, to identify any potential problems that will be quickly addressed to provide you with your needed certification.
With something seemingly simple as the needed certifications, you still want to have an experienced and qualified shop that stands behind their work. Problems or complications can arise by not having an experienced technician run these test. From ruining gauges because of pressures being brought up or dropped to fast, to not having the expertise in finding leaks and issues. A simple test can turn into a nightmare. Don't take the risk, of finding the cheapest, or the closest, bring it to us to do the job right...The first time.
VFR Certification Only
The Test are simple and can be performed on the ramp in about 15-30 minutes using Certified Test Equipment.
For VFR operations, the FAA requires all transponder-equipped aircraft to be inspected to verify the proper operation of the transponder.
Transponder 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.
Both IFR and VFR Certification
Testing can take 2-3 hours, depending on the aircraft.
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.
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The altimeter is subjected to a series of tests to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for accuracy and repeatability.
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The altitude encoder is checked against the primary altimeter and adjusted as required to ensure data correspondence.
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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.
RVSM Certification
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum was implemented to reduce the vertical separation above flight level (FL) 290 from 2000-ft minimum to 1000-ft minimum. It allows aircraft to safely fly more optimum profiles, gain fuel savings and increase airspace capacity.
Our experience team of certified technicians are here to support these certifications with a vast knowledge and experience with the process. We are able to quickly diagnose and correct any issues to insure your certification in a timely manner.
Give us a call today to schedule your RVSM certification.
§ 91.411 Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections.
(a) No person may operate an airplane, or helicopter, in controlled airspace under IFR unless—
(1) Within the preceding 24 calendar months, each static pressure system, each altimeter instrument, and each automatic pressure altitude reporting system has been tested and inspected and found to comply with appendices E and F of part 43 of this chapter;
(2) Except for the use of system drain and alternate static pressure valves, following any opening and closing of the static pressure system, that system has been tested and inspected and found to comply with paragraph
(a), appendix E, of part 43 of this chapter; and
(3) Following installation or maintenance on the automatic pressure altitude reporting system of the ATC transponder where data correspondence error could be introduced, the integrated system has been tested, inspected, and found to comply with paragraph (c), appendix E, of part 43 of this chapter.
(b) The tests required by paragraph (a) of this section must be conducted by—
(1) The manufacturer of the airplane, or helicopter, on which the tests and inspections are to be performed;
(2) A certificated repair station properly equipped to perform those functions and holding—
(i) An instrument rating, Class I;
(ii) A limited instrument rating appropriate to the make and model of appliance to be tested;
(iii) A limited rating appropriate to the test to be performed;
(iv) An airframe rating appropriate to the airplane, or helicopter, to be tested; or
(3) A certificated mechanic with an airframe rating (static pressure system tests and inspections only).
(c) Altimeter and altitude reporting equipment approved under Technical Standard Orders are considered to be tested and inspected as of the date of their manufacture.
(d) No person may operate an airplane, or helicopter, in controlled airspace under IFR at an altitude above the maximum altitude at which all altimeters and the automatic altitude reporting system of that airplane, or helicopter, have been tested.
§ 91.413 ATC transponder tests and inspections.
(a) No persons may use an ATC transponder that is specified in 91.215(a), 121.345(c), or §135.143(c) of this chapter unless, within the preceding 24 calendar months, the ATC transponder has been tested and inspected and found to comply with appendix F of part 43 of this chapter; and
(b) Following any installation or maintenance on an ATC transponder where data correspondence error could be introduced, the integrated system has been tested, inspected, and found to comply with paragraph (c), appendix E, of part 43 of this chapter.
(c) The tests and inspections specified in this section must be conducted by—
(1) A certificated repair station properly equipped to perform those functions and holding—
(i) A radio rating, Class III;
(ii) A limited radio rating appropriate to the make and model transponder to be tested;
(iii) A limited rating appropriate to the test to be performed;
(2) A holder of a continuous airworthiness maintenance program as provided in part 121 or §135.411(a)(2) of this chapter; or
(3) The manufacturer of the aircraft on which the transponder to be tested is installed, if the transponder was installed by that manufacturer.