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Pitot Static and RSVM

Pitot Static and RSVM

10/08/2018

In each newsletter, we drill down on a new safety issue that is important to our customers. In this edition, we decided to highlight Pitot Static and RVSM. Pitot Static (91.411/413) and (RSVM) have become a critical safety component of American flight. Annual and bi-annual service certifications are designed to ensure that every aircraft is operating to the highest standards.

But not all certification processes are created equal. That’s why it’s important to have a high level of trust with the people giving you that final seal of approval. You want to make sure the proper time, care, testing and attention to detail are provided to eliminate any margin of error. Why? Faulty equipment can have catastrophic consequences. In 2009, Air France Flight 447 enroute from Rio de Janiero to Paris crashed in the Atlantic Ocean killing all 228 on board.

The cause? Inconsistent readings between the pitot tubes. Those readings caused the autopilot to disconnect. When the pilot took over manual flight, he flew it too slowly, causing an aerodynamic stall. That was the beginning of the end for Flight 447.

With the proliferation of RSVM, we’re now constantly squeezing more aircraft into same amount of airspace, a necessity given the rising volume of traffic. However, the closer the encounters, the more confidence you want to have in the performance of your Pitot Static and RSVM equipment to avoid mid-air collisions.

That’s one of the reasons why we stack our crews with experienced technicians. When it comes to critical systems, that experience can mean the difference between danger and safety. Our certification technicians have been providing Pitot Static and RSVM support for decades, and the experience shows.

They often diagnose and solve issues that other folks simply can’t find, making the certification easier and faster, getting you back to flying. So if your aircraft is coming due for its annual or bi-annual certification, we’d love to help. Just pick up the phone and call us. One of our certification experts would be happy to chat with you.