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Old January 16th 07, 01:13 AM posted to rec.aviation.owning
Michael[_1_]
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Posts: 185
Default Pitot heat element failed. Options?

Marco Leon wrote:
Yes, these clouds up here are no joke. Good luck with finding it for
less than 1 AMU. I wonder if it's economically feasible to buy off eBay
and get it yellow-tagged? Here's one (not sure if it's your model) from
a guy parting out some Bonanzas: Item number: 320069500778


It is certainly feasible - provided you have the right mechanic. A
yellow tag is not magic - it's not even necessarily yellow. It is
documentation of a condition/operational inspection and certifies that
the part is serviceable. For a pitot tube, that would mean:

External inspection - not cracked, bent, etc.
Internal inspection - pitot tube not plugged, drain hole (if one
exists) not plugged, static port (if one exists) not plugged, no leaks,
electrical connections not frayed, plug or terminals in good condition
Electrical inspection - not shorted or open or intermittent, draws a
reasonable amount of current (less than the fuse/breaker is rated for,
enough to get hot quickly)

At most, I might need an hour to do all this, including the paperwork
(and I'm slow). I charge $45/hr for stuff like this. I would be
surprised if you had to pay more than about $300 for used pitot tube -
more likely a lot less. There are lots out there.

Taking parts off a totaled airplane and installing them on a working
plane is standard, accepted maintenance practice. Fact is, you don't
even need a yellow tag. All that has to happen is your mechanic does
the above tests, then makes an entry in your logbook to that effect
(noting which plane the part came from, to establish traceability).
Then he installs it, logs the installation - and you are good to go.

What you can't (legally) do is repair one - because you have no
acceptable data on which to base the repair. Not that it doesn't
happen, mind you.

Michael