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testing static system

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sarg314(at)gmail.com
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:11 pm Post subject: testing static system

I've read a lot about static system tests, but how do you do it exactly?Â  I assume I tape up one static port and then attach ... what to the other one?Â  How do I temporarily bond a vinyl tube to a static port with no leaks?Â  RTV? 

 

-- 

Tom Sargent, RV-6A

  [quote][b]

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vanremog(at)aol.com
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:52 pm Post subject: testing static system

Window mastic works well.

    

   -GV

 

 

 

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recapen(at)earthlink.net
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Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:23 am Post subject: testing static system

I put a test fitting in mine that I connect one of those JC Whitney brake bleeder vacuum gizmos to.



I tape over both static fittings....



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wstucklen1(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:41 am Post subject: testing static system

Tom,

 

  The best way to test the static system is by using a small automotive hand vacuum pump (like the ones used to test carburetors). Sears used to carry these as well as most of the auto parts stores. The vacuum pump comes with a variety of fittings, including a suction cup that can be put directly over the static port. Tape the opposite side static port off first, then apply a suction (not over 1000’ indicated on the altimeter) to the other side. The static system should be able to hold the altitude within 100’ for over a minute.

   One of the problems you might run into is suction leakage from around the static port – between the static port and the skin.  I had to apply a silicone seal on the inside of the skin to avoid this issue.

  All other leaks can usually be found around other fittings within the static system. When I can’t get a leak-free system, I find that breaking the static line such that I isolate the rear of the aircraft from the front area, it’s easier to isolate the problem to specific areas.

 

Fred Stucklen

RV-7A  N924RV 740 Hrs  Flying

RV-6A  N926RV  875 Hrs  sold

RV-6A  N925RV  2008 Hrs Sold

 

 

 

Time: 

11:11:58 PM PST US 	  Quote: 	
		   	


Subject: 

testing static system 	  Quote: 	
		   	


From: 

thomas sargent <sarg314(at)gmail.com (sarg314(at)gmail.com)> 	  Quote: 	
		              I've read a lot about static system tests, but how do you do it exactly?  I      assume I tape up one static port and then attach ... what to the other      one?  How do I temporarily bond a vinyl tube to a static port with no      leaks?  RTV?                  --  	
0

 

  [quote][b]

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khorton02(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 4:52 am Post subject: testing static system

How do you verify that your test fitting doesn't leak when it is not in use?



Kevin Horton



On 2012-07-11, at 07:22 , Ralph E. Capen wrote:



[quote] 

 

 I put a test fitting in mine that I connect one of those JC Whitney brake bleeder vacuum gizmos to.

 

 I tape over both static fittings....

 

 --

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Kellym

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1705
Location: Sun Lakes AZ

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 4:59 am Post subject: testing static system

Keep several things in mind. You do not want to pull more than 1000 ft 

on your altimeter. Lowering the pressure on the static side without 

similar reduction to the pitot puts a pressure on the airspeed 

indicator. Also, other than ensuring you have a leak free system, you 

cannot certify the static system. You will need to have the system 

certified if you want to fly anywhere an encoder is required, like Class 

B or controlled airspace above 10,000 ft. It takes a shop with a repair 

station license to certify your transponder, encoder and static system. 

Doubly so if you want to fly IFR. One of those few items you can't do 

for yourself on a homebuilt.



On 7/11/2012 4:40 AM, Fred Stucklen wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Tom,



 The best way to test the static system is by using a small automotive 

 hand vacuum pump (like the ones used to test carburetors). Sears used 

 to carry these as well as most of the auto parts stores. The vacuum 

 pump comes with a variety of fittings, including a suction cup that 

 can be put directly over the static port. Tape the opposite side 

 static port off first, then apply a suction (not over 1000’ indicated 

 on the altimeter) to the other side. The static system should be able 

 to hold the altitude within 100’ for over a minute.



 One of the problems you might run into is suction leakage from around 

 the static port – between the static port and the skin. I had to apply 

 a silicone seal on the inside of the skin to avoid this issue.



 All other leaks can usually be found around other fittings within the 

 static system. When I can’t get a leak-free system, I find that 

 breaking the static line such that I isolate the rear of the aircraft 

 from the front area, it’s easier to isolate the problem to specific areas.


	




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_________________
Kelly McMullen
A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor # 5286
KCHD

recapen(at)earthlink.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:08 am Post subject: testing static system

When I get the official check, they don't use the test port - as they have their own procedure...I didn't know that when I put the test port in.



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Bob Collins

Joined: 11 Mar 2006
Posts: 470
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:33 am Post subject: testing static system

I didn't do anything fancy.



I went to Fleet Farm (a farm supply store) and got a plastic syringe (the

package said "veterinary use only," and when the kid at the counter said

"what's this going to be used for," I said...."ummm.... Errrrr.... It's for

my dog.... And my cat (I had two sizes because I didn't know what size to

use)... They wouldn't take their pills so I've got some liquid medication. I

felt like a meth dealer).



I also  bought some "medical tubing" (which made me look like a heroin

addict) and attached it to the syringe and used safety wire to secure it. I

attached the other end to a piece of the rigid plastic tubing I used in the

pitot/static system (SafeAir system). I also secured that connection with

safety wire,  and removed a line from a junction and installed the tubing in

its place. Do not connect it directly to an instrument.



Image here:

http://tinyurl.com/6tjx48v



I taped over the static ports -- use electrical tape  because duct tape will

not work... Too pourous.



I similarly plugged the pitot tube and applied a SMALL vacuum to 1,000 feet

and watched the instruments. I reinstalled the line I replaced and then

disconnected another location and repeated the process to check all

instruments.



I had a leak and -- as many others have found -- it was at a fitting at one

of the instruments. The other "leak" was a poor job of plugging the pitot

tube.  Both were adjusted and rechecked. Zero change in "altitude."



I used 23.1325 as my guide:



(i) Unpressurized airplanes. Evacuate the static pressure system to a

pressure differential of approximately 1 inch of mercury or to a reading on

the altimeter, 1,000 feet above the aircraft elevation at the time of the

test. Without additional pumping for a period of 1 minute, the loss of

indicated altitude must not exceed 100 feet on the altimeter.



Cost: About $10 and a bad reputation at Fleet Farm.



There's another method -- a manometer -- which you can learn about here:

http://www.iflyez.com/manometer.shtml

Do not archive

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_________________
Bob Collins
St. Paul, Minn.
Letters from Flyover Country
http://rvnewsletter.blogspot.com/

pdeits(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:55 am Post subject: testing static system

Please unsubscribe for now.  Thank you very much

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