Instrument & Transponder Calibration
Instrument calibration is a common non-compliance identified during aircraft audits - Know your instrument calibration requirements to avoid being caught out!
RAAus aircraft require calibration of pitot-static instruments and transponders every 24 months. Transponder calibration must be completed by an appropriately qualified person and if an aircraft is fitted with a transponder it MUST be calibrated and switched on during every flight, even if operating in airspace which does not require transponder fitment.
Transponder and instrument calibration is often overlooked and found to be non-compliant during audits of RAAus aircraft. Aircraft owners and maintainers must ensure compliance with instrument calibration requirements as per the RAAus Technical Manual.
RAAus Technical Manual Requirements
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AIRCRAFT OPERATING ONLY OUTSIDE CONTROLLED AIRSPACE (OCTA) – CLASS G
Information from the RAAus Technical Manual Section 12.4 - Instrument & Transponder Checks
- Altimeters must be checked every 2 years against a currently certified altimeter (a LAMEs test equipment) or other appropriate test equipment (e.g. a water manometer and scale, or a wide area augmentation system (WAAS) compatible GPS) and must not deviate by more than +/- 100 feet, up to the maximum normally expected operating altitude of the aircraft.
- Airspeed indicators must be checked every 2 years against a manometer or against a GPS using test runs in opposite directions; and airspeed indications shall not vary by +/- 5kts; and;
- Aircraft with more than one ASI must not have variations between the instruments of more than +/- 5kts.
- Pitot and static systems must be checked for leaks every 2 years using a device capable of holding pressure for a minimum of 2 minutes without loss of pressure.
- Compass “swinging” is not mandatory, however, CASA AWB 34-008 provides good advice. A compass deviation card should be fitted following any compass checking.
- Fuel gauge calibration/checking must be performed every 2 years.
- Compliance with the required checks must be noted in the aircraft log book, signed and dated.
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AIRCRAFT OPERATING IN CONTROLLED AIRSPACE (CTA) – CLASS C, D, E
Information from the RAAus Technical Manual Section 12.4 - Instrument & Transponder Checks
- Aircraft that are currently legally permitted to fly in Controlled Airspace (CTA) as detailed in provisions of CAO 95.10, 95.32 or 95.55, must have their instruments maintained in accordance with the provisions of CAO 100.5. The checks are only available through a LAME with specialised calibrated equipment and appropriate licence ratings.
- Compass “swinging” is not mandatory, however, CASA AWB 34-008 provides good advice. A compass deviation card should be fitted following any compass checking.
- Compliance with the required checks must be noted in the aircraft log book.
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AIRCRAFT FITTED WITH A TRANSPONDER
Information from the RAAus Technical Manual Section 12.4 - Instrument & Transponder Checks
- All transponders must be maintained in accordance with CAO 100.5. Mode S transponders require an ICAO 24 bit aircraft address allocated by the CASA Aircraft Registrar at aircraftregistrar@casa.gov.au
- The request must include the registration number, manufacturer, model and serial number of the aircraft and the name of the registration holder. The code will be provided in a return email.
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