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.
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