Today's Message Index:
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1. 07:51 PM - Transponder question (Rick Beebe)
2. 08:21 PM - Re: Transponder question (Charlie England)
3. 08:51 PM - Transponder question (Paul Millner)
4. 09:07 PM - Re: Transponder question (Kelly McMullen)
5. 10:31 PM - Re: Transponder question (Rick Beebe)
Message 1
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| Subject: | Transponder question |
What is it about a transponder that makes the FAA require it only be
installed by a certified shop? Even if it's just been pulled from the
rack? I hadn't thought much about it until a couple weeks ago when I had
the plane at the shop for the biennial transponder check. I forgot the
log book and he said that if he had to pull the transponder to look at
the serial number that it would cost more because they'd have to
recertify it. So what can happen to a transponder when it's pulled from
the rack?
--Rick
Message 2
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| Subject: | Re: Transponder question |
On 12/30/2018 9:48 PM, Rick Beebe wrote:
>
> What is it about a transponder that makes the FAA require it only be
> installed by a certified shop? Even if it's just been pulled from the
> rack? I hadn't thought much about it until a couple weeks ago when I
> had the plane at the shop for the biennial transponder check. I forgot
> the log book and he said that if he had to pull the transponder to
> look at the serial number that it would cost more because they'd have
> to recertify it. So what can happen to a transponder when it's pulled
> from the rack?
>
> --Rick
>
Only thing I've heard about re-cert is if the static system is opened.
My neighbor does xpndr certs; I'll ask him if I see him in the next few
days.
Charlie
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Message 3
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| Subject: | Transponder question |
Technically, I don't think that's strictly true... the rule as I recall
it is that high power transmitters (like our transponders and DME
equipment, that can output hundreds or even 1,000 watts) must be
reinstalled by an A&P or repair station. The concern is that if the
antenna connection isn't properly made, it could prove to be a source of
ignition, and fires in airplanes are bad things.
>> I hadn't thought much about it until a couple weeks ago when I had the plane
at the shop for
the biennial transponder check. I forgot the log book, and he said that
if he had to pull the transponder to look at the serial number, that it
would cost more because they'd have to recertify it.
I don't believe that's a general requirement; perhaps it's part of his
repair stations procedures... I don't think an A&P doing an R&R on a
transponder, say, to replace another component has to do a
recertification, whatever your guy meant by that term. They just have to
determine proper function. Readers have a reference?
>> So what can happen to a transponder when it's pulled from the rack?
If you improperly reinstall it, you can turn a lot of power into heat.
Paul
Message 4
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| Subject: | Re: Transponder question |
In theory, if the connection has slightly different resistance after the
pull and re-install, the propagation pattern for a transmitter in the
1030-1090Mhz frequency at 150-250 watts could be slightly different. So,
in theory a quick look at the ramp checker should be done. As a
practical matter, I've never seen it change anything. Any A&P can
install the transponder, but a repair station must certify it. Unless
you are the builder (manufacturer) of the aircraft and have a proper
test set to be able to certify it yourself as the aircraft manufacturer
in the case of a homebuilt.
Then there is the matter of the shop being jerks. He could wait a day or
two for you to bring in the logs. He could do the ramp check...if it
isn't turned on until he gets there it takes 5 min for the transponder
to warm up (for the old cavity tube variety) or less for solid state. He
can make the choice. If he had inquired before starting the test, he
could have pulled the unit, got the serial number and reinstalled before
doing the test. He is just forgetting that he is in the customer service
business, and you can go elsewhere.
For those that don't know the full reg on static system checks...it only
has to be certified once every 2 years, regardless of how many times you
open the system. Now if you change altimeter or encoder, that is
different story. If you just open a connection and put it back together,
any A&P can do a leak check on the system (holds 1000 ft AGL for 1
minute with no more than 100 ft loss). The certification says the system
meets that leak test, and altitude requirements for the altimeter.
On 12/30/2018 8:48 PM, Rick Beebe wrote:
> What is it about a transponder that makes the FAA require it only be
> installed by a certified shop? Even if it's just been pulled from the
> rack? I hadn't thought much about it until a couple weeks ago when I had
> the plane at the shop for the biennial transponder check. I forgot the
> log book and he said that if he had to pull the transponder to look at
> the serial number that it would cost more because they'd have to
> recertify it. So what can happen to a transponder when it's pulled from
> the rack?
>
> --Rick
>
Message 5
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| Subject: | Re: Transponder question |
In all fairness he let me fly home and email him the serial number. Then
he mailed me the sticker for the log book and the bill. It just made me
curious, that's all.
--Rick
On 12/30/2018 11:59 PM, Kelly McMullen wrote:
> Then there is the matter of the shop being jerks. He could wait a day
> or two for you to bring in the logs. He could do the ramp check...if
> it isn't turned on until he gets there it takes 5 min for the
> transponder to warm up (for the old cavity tube variety) or less for
> solid state. He can make the choice. If he had inquired before
> starting the test, he could have pulled the unit, got the serial
> number and reinstalled before doing the test. He is just forgetting
> that he is in the customer service business, and you can go elsewhere.
>
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