Wed, Sep 02, 2009
CFI Candidate Was Unaware Of Any Potential Problem During
Evaluation
A certified flight instructor applicant recently arrived for
his evaluation with an aircraft with a painted pitot tube. As part
of the applicant’s evaluation, he was asked to explain the
purpose of the preflight and airworthiness requirements of the
aircraft. When questioned about the painted pitot tube, the
applicant was unaware of any potential for malfunction due to the
paint application.
The incident has prompted the FAA to issue a Information for
Operators (InFO) advisory informing aircraft operators of the
potential for pitot-static system malfunctions after an aircraft is
repainted.
Manufacturers typically deliver aircraft with unpainted pitot
tube(s) with the expectation that the pitot tube(s) will remain as
delivered. Painter’s and/or maintenance personnel may not be
aware of the affects of inappropriately applied paint to critical
orifices and/or the performance of the system.
Painting these instruments may possibly cause unreliable
instrument readings or other hazards. Persons performing
maintenance or preventive maintenance should be aware that the
application of paint to surfaces received unpainted from the
manufacturer, may be an alteration to the aircraft type design,
requiring further evaluation.
Typical Pitot Tube
Installation
Persons engaged in repainting of aircraft and/or return to
service of aircraft after painting should follow the
manufacturers’ recommendation concerning painting of pitot
tubes and/or any other component delivered from the manufacturer
unpainted. If uncertain, the manufacturer should be contacted for
information about a specific aircraft or component.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]