Gerdes Aviation
Services
Common Questions and Answers.
Q: How
do I know if my aircraft requires an IFR test?
A: FAR 91.411 states that no person may
operate an aircraft in controlled airspace under IFR unless 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.
Summary:
If you fly your aircraft in IFR conditions
in any controlled airspace, you need a 24 month altimeter/static and
transponder test.
Q: How
do I know if my aircraft requires a VFR test?
A: FAR 91.413 states that no person 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 ……
Summary:
If you fly your aircraft in VFR
conditions in any controlled airspace, you need a 24 month transponder
test/inspection.
Q: Who
can perform the IFR tests on my aircraft?
A: FAR 91.411(b) states that the tests
conducted 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 1;
(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 certified mechanic with an airframe rating (Static pressure
system tests and inspections only.)
Summary:
The original manufacturer of the
aircraft, a certified repair station, or an airframe mechanic can perform the
tests. However an airframe mechanic can only test the static/pressure systems,
he cannot test the transponder as required by FAR 91.413.
Q: How
often must the IFR or VFR tests be completed?
A: The IFR and VFR tests are both 24 month
tests. Once your aircraft is tested the next test is due in 24 months by the
last calendar day of the month. Example: If you have your aircraft tested on
March 16 2013, the next test will be due by March 31 2015.
Q: Is
there an exemption for aircraft which do not have a transponder installed?
A: Yes.
FAR 91.215 (3) states: Notwithstanding
paragraph (b)(2) of this section, any aircraft which was not originally
certificated with an engine driven electrical system or which has not
subsequently been certified with such a system installed, balloon or glider may
conduct operations in the airspace within 30 nautical miles of an airport
listed in appendix D, section 1 of this part provided such operations are
conducted-
(i) Outside and class A, Class B, or
class C airspace area; and
(ii) Below the altitude ceiling of a
class B or class C airspace area designated for an airport or 10,000 feet msl;
whichever is lower; and …
Summary:
An aircraft which never had an
electrical system or transponder installed can legally fly in uncontrolled
airspace and does not require testing. It also may fly into controlled airspace
if granted a deviation by ATC.
FAR 91.215 (d) (3)
Gives some guidance for ATC Authorized
Deviations through controlled airspace and states that Requests for ATC
deviations must be made to ATC at least one hour prior to the proposed flight.
Q: How
long does it take to complete an IFR or VFR inspection?
A: An IFR certification test generally takes
2 to 2 ½ hours to complete including paperwork.
A VFR certification test is much less
involved and will generally take 1 to 1 ½ hours to complete including
paperwork.
Q: Do
I have to be there at the time the tests are done?
A: No.
It is very normal for us to test aircraft without the owner present. You
just need to make arrangements for access to the aircraft and payment. We will
take care of the rest. You can also coordinate with your maintenance provider to
have the tests completed while your aircraft is in for scheduled maintenance or
inspections. We work with most shops in Southern California.
Q: Is
mobile service available at my location or do I have to fly the aircraft to
Gerdes Aviation Services to have the tests completed?
A: Our repair station is certified to perform
tests both at our facility and on a mobile basis at any airport in Southern
California. Most of our customers take advantage of our mobile service because
we do not charge trip fees or mileage fees to come to your location. This saves
you both time and money.
Q: Will
I have to wait for the paperwork and Logbook signoff to be mailed to me if I
take advantage of the mobile service?
A: No.
All paperwork and logbook entries are provided to the customer at the
end of the tests, regardless of whether the tests are completed at our facility
or on a mobile basis at your location.
Q; Will
I have to call my mechanic to make the repairs if the tests do not pass?
A: No. Gerdes
Aviation Service’s technician is specifically trained in testing and repair of
Pitot/Static Pressure, and Transponder systems. Most repairs if required will
be completed at the time of the inspection. We stock most parts to make repairs
on these systems. This saves the customer time and money by not requiring
repairs to be separately scheduled with another shop. You will be quoted on
pricing before any repairs are made.
Q: Are
you able to test my aircraft if it has a Mode S transponder such as the Garmin
GTX-330 or Bendix/King KT-70?
A: Yes. We have specialized equipment for
testing Mode S transponders. Please let us know in advance when scheduling your
appointment that you have a Mode S transponder as additional fees may apply.
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