FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsEasy
A commercial pilot intends to fly an airplane on an IFR flight plan in controlled airspace. Maintenance records show the airplane's static pressure system, altimeter, and automatic altitude reporting equipment were last tested and inspected 23 calendar months ago. According to 14 CFR Part 91, may the pilot legally conduct this IFR flight?
- ANo, this equipment must be tested within the preceding 12 calendar months
- BYes, the inspection remains valid for up to 24 calendar months
- CYes, but only if the flight remains below 18,000 feet MSL
- DNo, this equipment must be inspected before every IFR flight
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Yes, the inspection remains valid for up to 24 calendar months
14 CFR 91.411 requires the static pressure system, altimeter, and automatic pressure altitude reporting system to be tested and inspected within the preceding 24 calendar months before IFR operation in controlled airspace. Since only 23 months have elapsed, the inspection is still valid.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 12 months is the interval for other checks (e.g., ELTs are different), not this system
- C. The altitude limitation is irrelevant to this inspection requirement
- D. No per-flight inspection is required, only periodic testing
Altimeter/Static System Inspection (91.411)
Airplanes flown IFR in controlled airspace must have their static pressure system, altimeter, and altitude reporting equipment tested within the preceding 24 calendar months.
- Applies only to IFR flight in controlled airspace
- 24 calendar month interval
- Test must follow Part 43 Appendix E procedures
Memory trick: '24 for Altimeters and ATC gear' — both systems share the same 2-year clock.