Air data test sets are among the most important pieces of test equipment in all of aviation maintenance. Mechanics use them multiple times a week, if not every day, for routine testing, precise calibration checks, troubleshooting, and more.

Your goal as a mechanic when using air data test sets is simple: make sure the pressure-based flight instruments and air data systems are working as they should, and make that happen before the aircraft leaves the ground.

An ADTS (also known as a pitot static tester) works by creating controlled air pressure and vacuum as a simulation of flight conditions. This lets you test capability safely from the ground by commanding simulated altitude, airspeed, rate of climb, and more. These systems feed pilots critical airspeed, altitude, vertical speed and Mach data.

Why Pitot Static Testing Matters

Bad data means bad decisions. If the aircraft pitot static systems, airspeed, altitude, or vertical speed readings are inaccurate due to a system leak, a blocked static port, or faulty readings, it's not necessarily the pilot's fault when something goes wrong. They can only make the best decisions based on the information they're receiving.

This is why pitot-static testing is so important. It goes so far beyond ticking off the boxes or filling out paperwork. This type of testing covers the pitot tube, every static port present, and all lines running to the airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator, and altimeter. Done right, it catches leaks, errors, damaged lines, blocked ports, and response issues before the aircraft is several thousand feet in the air.

Two-Channel, Three-Channel, and Multi-Channel Test Sets

Before purchasing an air data test set for your kit, you'll want to consider the number of pressure channels that you need/want. A basic tester tends to use two channels. One is intended for static pressure, and the other is for pitot pressure. Most mechanics are going to be content with this option.

If you need something more advanced for a SmartProbe-equipped aircraft or an angle-of-attack system, for example, you very well could need three or more channels on your test set. This is when it becomes important to know what aircraft you're working on. There's no reason to go overboard on your air data test set, but you also need to be prepared for whatever is asked of you.

RVSM Capable Air Data Test Sets

RVSM stands for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum, and this is another major consideration for most aviation mechanics. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revealed that RVSM capability reduced vertical separation above flight level 290 from a 2,000-foot minimum to a 1,000-foot minimum.

If you're working on aircraft that consistently fly at higher altitudes, it's entirely possible that RVSM-capable test equipment will be required to meet accuracy standards. Almost all commercial aircraft are RVSM compliant, and military aircraft are being built to RVSM standards, so it's possible that the aircraft you're working on will need this particular type of test set to meet flight safety standards.

Features Mechanics Should Compare

Price isn't the only thing that matters when we're talking about outfitting your shop. All the equipment in the world is useless if it doesn't work with your test procedures, aircraft, and environment.

Look for features such as RVSM capability and number of channels (which we've already talked about), but also programmable test profiles, data logging, automation, leak testing, wireless control vs remote control, accessory compatibility, and display readability.

Profiles are a big one. If you can set up certain tests ahead of time based on aircraft and day of the week, you're going to save a lot of time and hassle. Our best advice is to take a minute and figure out what you need to prioritize, then put together a shopping list in order of most to least important. If you do that, armed with the knowledge you've gained here, you'll be able to find a good fit.

Buy, Rent, or Lease?

You have options as far as purchasing, renting, or leasing equipment, which is a good thing, since buying doesn't always make the most sense. You want to make a purchase when you or your shop are consistently working on aircraft that's supported by the equipment in question, but what about the one-off? Or what about a short-term project or a temporary work request? There are many situations in aircraft maintenance when renting or leasing makes more sense than a permanent purchase.

Air data test sets, as we've established, are precision tools. Trying to own every model for every aircraft in the aviation industry is unreasonable in terms of finances, space, and efficiency. That's why AvionTEq offers all three options: buy, rent, or lease. This includes new and refurbished equipment, which opens the doors even wider, allowing for greater budget variance and key factor considerations. Getting the right air data test set is a bit of an art, and we're here to help you get the right test set so your aircraft stays within its key flight parameters, every time. Request a quote today.