[Audio] Maintenance Publications Advisory Circular Presentation.
[Audio] Importance of Maintenance Records Safety Assurance: Maintenance records are essential for demonstrating that an aircraft is airworthy and safe for operation. They provide a historical account of all maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs performed on the aircraft. Regulatory Compliance: Proper maintenance records ensure compliance with FAA regulations. They serve as evidence that the aircraft has been maintained according to established standards, which is critical for regulatory inspections and audits. Traceability: Maintenance records allow for traceability of parts and repairs, helping to identify any issues that may arise during operation. This is vital for understanding the history of the aircraft and ensuring that all components are functioning correctly..
[Audio] What is an Advisory Circular or ACs. These documents provide information, guidance, and recommendations regarding various aviation-related topics, including regulations, policies, and procedures. Helps understand and comply with FAA regulations. While Advisory Circulars are not legally binding, they offer best practices and acceptable methods for meeting regulatory requirements. They can cover a wide range of subjects, such as aircraft maintenance, flight operations, airworthiness standards and safety procedures. Advisory Circulars are numbered and categorized based on their subject matter, and they can be found on the FAA's official website, where they are available for public access..
[Audio] Subject: Minimum Barometry for Calibration and Test of Atmospheric Pressure Instruments: This advisory circular provides guidance on the adequacy of barometers used for calibrating aircraft static instruments, detailing accuracy requirements and general pressure measurement information..
[Audio] Barometric pressure, often referred to simply as air pressure, is the weight of the air above us in the atmosphere. Imagine the air as a giant blanket that surrounds the Earth; the thicker and heavier the blanket, the more pressure it applies. This pressure can change with weather conditions, altitude, and temperature. When barometric pressure is high, it usually means clear skies and good weather, while low pressure often indicates clouds and storms. So, in a way, barometric pressure is like a weather barometer, helping us understand what kind of weather to expect.
[Audio] FAA Recognition The FAA recognizes the importance of altimeter accuracy for safe airspace utilization. Accurate altimetry enhances collision avoidance and terrain clearance, leading to rules for periodic testing of altimeter systems..
[Audio] Calibration Standards Temperature Control: It is crucial to maintain the barometer's temperature within ±10°F to ensure accurate readings during calibration. Local Barometric Pressure : Adjustments must be made for local barometric pressures variations, as these can affect pressure measurements and overall accuracy. Comparison Checks: Regular comparisons with a secondary standard barometer help identify any discrepancies and ensure the primary barometer remains accurate. Recalibration: Barometers should be recalibrated following significant changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, to maintain accuracy..
[Audio] Maintenance and Operation: The barometer maintenance record is a structured format designed to document all maintenance and calibration activities for barometers. Key components of the record include: Dates, Action taken, Details, Performed by, next due date and remarks..
[Audio] The risk of incorrect altimeter pressure settings: When the pilot began a pull-down to the Split-S maneuver, he climbed to 1,670 feet AGL instead of the necessary 2,500 feet. The pilot reportedly had inadvertently flown to MSL (mean sea level) altitude that he used during pre-flights of the maneuver at his home base, Nellis AFB in Nevada, which is 1,000 feet lower than Idaho barometric pressure..
References. Washington, D. (n.d.). AC 4302B ADVISORY CIRCULAR DEPAl. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC43-2B.pdf Federal Aviation Administration. (2023). Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook-General. https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/amtg_handbook.pdf Staff, E. (2004, January 25). Thunderbirds Crash Report And Video. AVweb. https://www.avweb.com/briefs/thunderbirds-crash-report-and-video/ .