Airworthiness Bulletins

AWB 34-4 Issue 1, 11 June 2002
Warning against pitot static probe repairs

Applicability

All Rosemount Pitot Static Probes.

Who should read this AWB

All maintenance personnel, maintenance organisations, supply organisations, Air Operators Certificate Holders.

Background

CASA has been advised through a Rosemount Inc Service Letter of concerns with repairs being performed on Rosemount Aerospace Pitot and Pitot Static probes by repair facilities other than Rosemount.

Rosemount advise that there are a number of third party repair facilities advertising and performing repairs on probes manufactured by Rosemount. Rosemount have indicated that they have neither reviewed or approved the repair process or testing procedure.

These repairs include repairs to the heating elements and body/tip of the probe.

Implication of unauthorised repairs

The impact of these repairs on flight safety is unknown and Rosemount cannot guarantee the airworthiness of the repaired probe.

CASA voices the same concern that the repairs may have adversely affected the aerodynamic performance and de-icing capabilities of the probe to provide accurate air data to primary and supplementary flight instruments.

With the inception of RVSM in Australian Airspace there is increased requirement to have an air data system that performs within tighter tolerances. The use of these probes may affect an aircraft's capability to remain RVSM compliant .

Recommended action

CASA recommends that all, maintenance organisations, supply organisations, Air Operators Certificate Holders;

• review the stock held to identify the repair facility that reconditioned/repaired the Pitot Static Probe; and
• review maintenance records for any replaced Pitot Static Probes and trace the history of the item to identify the repair facility that reconditioned/repaired the probe.

Should any component be identified as having been subject to an unauthorised repair the item should be removed from service or stock.

Rosemount Aerospace remind the industry that the Rosemount Aerospace warranty is void for any item that has been subject to an unauthorised repair.

Affected aircraft and probe part numbers