transponder check?

Russell Duffy wrote:
"Dave" wrote in message
et...

It's the 91.411 and 91.413 deal. Legally only the transponder check
(91.413) is required for VFR every 24 months.
But to use your encoder you also have to comply with part 43 appendix e
paragraph C, or anytime work has been done that could effect the mode c
output.


Thanks. I've talked to another shop, and have been told that they can come
to the airport for at least part of the check. They want to check the
transponder on the bench, then put it in the plane to check the system. I'm
trying to talk them into skipping the bench check, since it's a brand new
Garmin transponder. Unfortunately, the owner of the shop is the one I need
to talk to, and he's failed to return my call twice now.

How hard is it to get started as a repair station :-) (only half kidding)

Thanks,
Rusty


There is no real reason to bench check then check it in the airplane
except to verify the transponder works prior to a new installation or if
it is a mode "s" transponder, he may only have bench equipment to test it.
A bad antenna or antenna connection can swing a transponders frequency
out of range to pass the test.
He may be trying to get a baseline to validate the installation.
If he isn't charging more for the bench check and it's not a mode "s" go
for it. If he is charging lots more and your confident that the
installation is sound, make a few more calls.

Since your static system is new, it should be checked for leaks. That
can be done by an A&P, manufacturer or the guy who does your transponder
check.

You as the manufacutrer of the aircraft who installed the transponder
can also test and inspect the transponder installation, but it still
needs to comply with appendix f.

dave

There is no real reason to bench check then check it in the airplane
except to verify the transponder works prior to a new installation or if
it is a mode "s" transponder, he may only have bench equipment to test it.
A bad antenna or antenna connection can swing a transponders frequency
out of range to pass the test.
He may be trying to get a baseline to validate the installation.
If he isn't charging more for the bench check and it's not a mode "s" go
for it. If he is charging lots more and your confident that the
installation is sound, make a few more calls.

Since your static system is new, it should be checked for leaks. That
can be done by an A&P, manufacturer or the guy who does your transponder
check.

You as the manufacutrer of the aircraft who installed the transponder
can also test and inspect the transponder installation, but it still
needs to comply with appendix f.

dave


Thanks for all the extra info Dave. I talked to my preferred avionics shop
today, the one who said they wouldn't come to my airport. When he really
understook that I couldn't bring the plane to him, he agreed to come over
next week to do a "functional test". He's the one that tested my RV-8 a
year or so ago, so I'm pretty happy that he's agreed to do this. I think
I'm all set now.

Thanks again,
Rusty