pitot test

[Ron Shannon]

I'm on my second pitot test, using a piece of rolled up surgical tubing to
generate pressure on the end of the pitot tubing at the top of the left
strut, then clamping the surgical tubing with a cleco edge clamp. Starting
with IAS at about 70 kts., I have an indicated "leak" showing IAS degrading
at a rate of about 1/2 kt./sec. I can't detect any leaks with soap bubbles
-- on those joints I can see/get to with everything hooked up -- including
no leaks on either end of the surgical tubing. Unfortunately, even although
I've carefully tightened everything up as best I can, the behind-panel space
is so full I can't see all the joints simultaneously when all instruments
are hooked up. To test all joints, I'd have to pull the EFIS's and plug
those lines, etc., which I'm reluctant to do unless I have to because I
wouldn't be testing all joints simultaneously, not to mention it's a PITA!
:-)

EAA has an article suggesting the pitot line should be tight enough to hold
airspeed for a minute. Is that standard appropriate? How tight should this
really be?

Ron
http://n254mr.com




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