A—INTODUCTION

Aircraft pitot-static systems must be tested for leaks after the installation of any
component parts, at any time system malfunctioning is suspected, and at the periods
specified in the aircraft Maintenance Schedule.
B---PRINCIPLE OF PITOT STATIC LEAK TESTING
The method of testing consists basically of applying pressure and suction to pressure
heads and static vents, respectively, by means of a special leak tester and coupling
adapters, and noting that there is no leakage, or the rate of leakage is within the
permissible tolerances prescribed for the system
B-1-AIR SPEED INDICATOR (ASI) SIMPLE LEAK TESTING METHOD
Airspeed indicators are tested by applying controlled pressure to the pressure port of
the instrument.
The pressure can be obtained from a properly regulated PITOT-STATIC LEAK
TESTER OR by using a bulb-type hand pump.(SEE BELOW)
1) Apply pressure to cause the airspeed indicator to indicate 150 knots (differential 1.1
inches of mercury ), hold at this point and clamp off source of pressure.
2) . Apply pressure to cause the airspeed indicator to indicate 150 knots (differential 1.1
inches of mercury ), hold at this point and clamp off source of pressure.
3) After 1 minute, the leakage should not exceed 10 knots (decrease in differential
pressure of approximately 0.15 inches of mercury ).
Warning: Do not apply suction to pitot lines
A SIMPLE PITOT-STATIC LEAK TEST SYSTEM FOR AN AIR SPEED INDICATOR
B-2—ALTIMETER-LEAK TESTING
An altimeter is tested by comparing the altitude reading on the instrument with the
actual altitude at the point of testing when the local barometric pressure is adjusted into
the instrument.
For example, if the barometric setting of the altimeter is placed at 29.92 in Hg and the
actual barometric pressure at the test location is 29.92 in Hg [76 cm Hg], then the
altimeter should show an altitude of 0.ft.
If suction is applied to the suction port of the altimeter to a level of 28.86 in Hg [73.3 cm
Hg], then the altimeter reading should be 1000 ft [305 m].
. Positive pressure must not be applied to an altimeter except in the small amount that
may be specified by the manufacturer.
B-3—VERTICAL SPEED INDICATOR (VSI) LEAK TESTING
b. Apply a vacuum equivalent to 1,000 feet altitude, (1.07 inches of mercury or inches
of wa) and hold.
c. Aller one minule, check to see that the leakage has not exceeded the equivalent of
100 feet of altitude (decrease in differential pressure of approximately 0.105 inches of
mercury )
C----LEAK-TESTING USING A PITOT-STATIC LEAK TESTER
Specific applications of the basic method of leak testing and the type of equipment
recommended depend on the type of aircraft and its pitot-static system and as these are
detailed in relevant manufacturer's and aircraft Maintenance Manuals, reference must
always be made to these documents.
There are, however, certain aspects of the procedures and precautions to be observed
which are of a standard nature, and these are summarised for guidance as follows:
C-1—TYPICAL PITOT STATIC LEAK TESTER
The Model 377-4 Tester is a compact, portable and precise tester, complete with
vacuum-pressure pump, valves, hoses, electric cord and monitoring instruments
The 377-4 supplies both positive and negative pressure (vacuum).
(1) The airspeed (Pitot pressure monitor) dial is calibrated to read indicated airspeed
in knots and/or miles per hour depending on choice.
(2) The altimeter (static pressure monitor) dial is calibrated to indicate altitude in
feet.
 (3) The climb (static pressure rate of change monitor) dial is calibrated to indicate
altitude rate of change in feet per minute
C-2- Electrical and Pneumatic Schematic

C-3 THE MODEL 377-4 TESTER SWITCH FUNCTIONS

1--POWER SWITCH ON/OFF-------- S1 Front Panel Provides on/off control of power to
motor-pump.
2---PUMP SELECTOR----OFF
VAC---(VACUUM)
(PRESS)---(PRESSURE
Front Panel Allows selection of positive or negative (vacuum) pressure
3----STATIC Control--- Regulates pressure to and isolates the pump pressures from the
static outlet and the testers indicators
4—PITOT Control--- Front Panel Regulates pressure to and isolates the pump
pressures from the pitot connection on the Testers airspeed
5---STATIC BLEED/VACUUM VENT--- Front Panel Allows the pressures developed in
the static lines to be released to the atrnosphere.
6--PRESS VENT------ Front Panel Allows the pressures developed in the pressure
lines to be released to the atrnosphere
7—CROSS BLEED---- when opened, allows equalization of pressure between pitot and
static lines. Therefore, when the same pressure or vacuum is on both connections of
the Airspeed, there will be no differential pressure and airspeed will remain at zero
A. PRELIMINARY SET-UP
(1) Initial Valve position for storage and initial power on
(a) PITOT CONTROL Closed Knob fully clockwise
(b) STATIC CONTROL Closed Knob fully clockwise
(c) CROSSBLEED CONTROL Open Knob fully counterclockwise
(d) PITOT VENT Open Knob fully counterclockwise
(e) STATIC VENT Open Knob fully counterclockwise
Caution: Do not use unnecessary force to adjust a test set valve. Positive stop spacers
have been installed on all metering valves to permit firm closing of the valves without
damage. However, excessive force can overcome the knob set screw, resulting in valve
damage.
Note: It is imperative that the Pitot Vent and Static Vent valves are fully opened and the
Pitot Control and Static Control valves are fully closed before turning power ON
C-4---PRECAUTIONS
During the testing of pitot-static systems, care must be taken to see that positive
pressure is not applied to the altimeter or negative pressure (vacuum) applied to the
airspeed indicator.
Positive pressure should not be applied to the static system, and negative pressure
should not be applied to the pitot system when instruments are connected.
Pressure in the pitot system must always be equal or greater than that in the
static/vacuum system.
When positive pressure is applied to the pitot system or negative pressure is applied to
the static system, the rate of change of pressure applied should not exceed the design
limits of the instruments connected to the system.
Upon completion of testing, the pitot and static systems must be restored to flight
configuration.