Static and Pitot Checks

[mmarien]

The static and pitot checks required every two years are a PITA to perform using the methods described on page 5-11 in the Skyview Installation Manual. Granted the checks aren't required often, but it would be nice to be able to put Skyview in a test mode so that it doesn't do any attitude calibrations while the static and pitot checks are performed. The tests would be quick and simple then.

I was a bit amazed to see the IAS was within a knot of the test equipment. I would rather seen it out ten knots or so at cruise so I wouldn't have to exaggerate so much.

 

[skysailor]

I would like to see this as well.

 

[JTD]

I to would like to see this. Both times I have had my system checked the tech refused to follow Dynons procedure saying it does not comply with the FAR's

 

[Juvat]

Okay guys, I'm in the same situation here. I gave the Dynon pitot static test instructions to our guy here in Phoenix. He said he has never before seen these instructions, and he's done many many Skyview tests already (he's not exaggerating--the guy does tons of tests here...) He told me that nobody has complained about calibration problems.

We haven't done the test yet (it's tomorrow), and I'm wondering if I should just tell him to forget the Dynon instructions and do it his way to save time.

Dynon Support, please tell us what damage, if any, will be done by not following the instructions. Will there be permanent calibration errors?

What to do? There seems to be some serious resistance among testers to the Dynon instructions, not to mention anecdotal evidence that "their way" doesn't cause any harm.

 

[Dynon]

It won't "damage" your system, but it can cause erroneous attitude indications.

Our ADAHRS uses IAS information over the short and long term to help self-calibrate the attitude solution. If you make changes to IAS and fool the system into thinking it's flying when it's not, such as when pitot/static tests are done without following the procedures, you can cause the attitude indicator the dial in incorrect calibrations.

All that said, even when to you do do this, most of the time, even if you do see incorrect attitude, flying for an hour or two will fix it. In very rare cases, when the "bad" adjustment persists, you may need to get in touch with support for assistance. Sometimes a special reset file will help things, while in extreme circumstances it's best for us to see your EFIS/ADAHRS here to put it back though our calibration process.

 

[skysailor]

Perhaps a menu item in the setup that places the unit in "Baro Test" mode or something could be done. The unit would then ignore these airspeed/altitude changes for purposes of system adjustments. I would suggest replacing the PFD with "TEST ONLY" and then the airspeed, altitude and vertical speed numbers so that flight will not be attempted.

All this presumes a problem with attitude after the transponder and static checks. I will leave my system on the entire time since I have to fly 40 hours day VFR anyway before I might need instrument accurate readings.