A commercial pilot is operating an aircraft under Part 91. The pilot discovers that the aircraft's static pressure system, altimeter, and automatic pressure altitude reporting system (transponder) have not been inspected within the preceding 24 calendar months. For what type of flight operation is this aircraft explicitly prohibited?
- AAny flight at night.
- BAny flight into Class B airspace.
- CAny flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in controlled airspace.
- DAny flight for compensation or hire.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Any flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in controlled airspace.
According to 14 CFR 91.411(a), the static pressure system, altimeter, and automatic pressure altitude reporting system (transponder) must have been tested and inspected within the preceding 24 calendar months for an aircraft to be operated under IFR in controlled airspace. This specific inspection is not a general requirement for all flights, but rather for IFR operations in controlled airspace, which rely heavily on accurate altitude and transponder reporting.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Night flight does not inherently require this specific inspection unless IFR in controlled airspace is also involved.
- B. While Class B entry requires an operable transponder, the 24-month inspection of the entire system (including altimeter) is specifically tied to IFR in controlled airspace, not just Class B.
- D. This inspection is not universally required for all compensation/hire flights, only specific types.
Altimeter/Static System Inspection (IFR)
The static pressure system, altimeter, and automatic pressure altitude reporting system must be inspected every 24 calendar months for aircraft operated under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in controlled airspace.
- Required every 24 calendar months.
- Specifically for IFR operations in controlled airspace.
- Covers altimeter, static system, and transponder's altitude reporting function.
Memory trick: For IFR in controlled airspace, altimeters and transponders need a biennial checkup.