Services We Offer
You fly using visual references (VFR) when starting as a pilot. Once you earn your PPL, you can train to become instrument-rated (IFR) and fly in poor visibility. IFR is an excellent protection for pilots who may encounter poor flight visibility.
FAA guidelines require all transponder-equipped aircraft, certified and experimental, to be tested and certified every two years. For IFR operations, altimeter(s), encoder, and static system must also be tested and certified every two years. After any modification, maintenance, or initial installation of equipment, altimeter and encoder must be checked for data correspondence.
Central Florida Avionics and Instruments has specialized testing equipment and certified and trained staff to ensure you fly safely. They also have a top-notch troubleshooter who can quickly identify and address potential problems to provide you with the necessary certification.
Even for something as straightforward as certifications, it's crucial to have a qualified and experienced shop that stands by its work. Skipping out on experienced technicians can lead to complications such as damaged gauges from improper pressure changes or undetected leaks due to a lack of expertise. It's best to avoid taking chances on cheaper or closer options; instead, bring your aircraft to Central Florida Avionics to ensure the job is done the first time correctly.
Installation
The installation of aircraft components involves a complex process that requires precision and attention to detail. They must be carefully positioned and secured in the correct location using specialized tools and equipment. Wiring and tubing must be routed and connected according to strict guidelines, and various systems must be tested and verified to ensure proper functionality. The installation process must adhere to strict safety protocols and regulations to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.
If you are unsure about doing this yourself, then don't worry. Central Florida Avionics can help with the installation of any product we sell.
IFR and VFR Certifications
For both IFR and VFR certifications, testing can take 2-3 hours, depending on the aircraft.
Along with the the transponder tests required for VFR, IFR aircraft must have each altimeter, encoder and static system inspected and certified. These tests are more involved and usually require the removal of the altitude and altimeter encoder for bench testing and adjustment. The altimeter is put through a series of tests to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for accuracy and repeatability. The altitude encoder is checked against the primary altimeter and adjusted as required to ensure data correspondence. After the aircraft's equipment has been inspected and reinstalled, a static system leak check is performed. Leaks in the static system can cause significant errors in the altitude reporting equipment (and airspeed) and are sometimes difficult to locate.
IFR Certification - Single Transponder, Altimeter, and Encoder - $395
IFR Certification - Glass Display - $495
IFR Certification - Extra/Standby Altimeters and Transponders - $100/each.
IFR Certification - Extra Glass Altimeters - $125/each
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting avionics and instruments is at our standard labor rate of $135/hour.
§ 91.411 Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections.
(a) No person may operate an airplane, or helicopter, in controlled airspace under IFR unless—
(1) Within the preceding 24 calendar months, each static pressure system, each altimeter instrument, and each automatic pressure altitude reporting system has been tested and inspected and found to comply with appendices E and F of part 43 of this chapter;
(2) Except for the use of system drain and alternate static pressure valves, following any opening and closing of the static pressure system, that system has been tested and inspected and found to comply with paragraph (a), appendix E, of part 43 of this chapter; and
(3) Following installation or maintenance on the automatic pressure altitude reporting system of the ATC transponder where data correspondence error could be introduced, the integrated system has been tested, inspected, and found to comply with paragraph (c), appendix E, of part 43 of this chapter.
(b) The tests required by paragraph (a) of this section must be conducted by—
(1) The manufacturer of the airplane, or helicopter, on which the tests and inspections are to be performed;
(2) A certificated repair station properly equipped to perform those functions and holding—
(i) An instrument rating, Class I;
(ii) A limited instrument rating appropriate to the make and model of appliance to be tested;
(iii) A limited rating appropriate to the test to be performed;
(iv) An airframe rating appropriate to the airplane, or helicopter, to be tested; or
(3) A certificated mechanic with an airframe rating (static pressure system tests and inspections only).
(c) Altimeter and altitude reporting equipment approved under Technical Standard Orders are considered to be tested and inspected as of the date of their manufacture.
(d) No person may operate an airplane, or helicopter, in controlled airspace under IFR at an altitude above the maximum altitude at which all altimeters and the automatic altitude reporting system of that airplane, or helicopter, have been tested.
§ 91.413 ATC transponder tests and inspections.
(a) No persons may use an ATC transponder that is specified in 91.215(a), 121.345(c), or §135.143(c) of this chapter unless, within the preceding 24 calendar months, the ATC transponder has been tested and inspected and found to comply with appendix F of part 43 of this chapter; and
(b) Following any installation or maintenance on an ATC transponder where data correspondence error could be introduced, the integrated system has been tested, inspected, and found to comply with paragraph (c), appendix E, of part 43 of this chapter.
(c) The tests and inspections specified in this section must be conducted by—
(1) A certificated repair station properly equipped to perform those functions and holding—
(i) A radio rating, Class III;
(ii) A limited radio rating appropriate to the make and model transponder to be tested;
(iii) A limited rating appropriate to the test to be performed;
(2) A holder of a continuous airworthiness maintenance program as provided in part 121 or §135.411(a)(2) of this chapter; or
(3) The manufacturer of the aircraft on which the transponder to be tested is installed, if the transponder was installed by that manufacturer.