--- title: "Understanding FAR 91.411: Key Requirements and Compliance — Aviator Zone Academy, LLC" description: Explore the importance of FAR 91.411 in aviation, including key requirements and compliance steps. Learn how this regulation ensures safety and reliability in aircraft operations, and what pilots and operators need to know to stay compliant. --- [Pilot Reports ](https://www.aviator.zone/blog) # [Understanding FAR 91.411: Key Requirements and Compliance — Aviator Zone Academy, LLC](https://www.aviator.zone/blog/2022/12/28/far-91411) Written by [Leonardo Ferrer](https://www.aviator.zone/blog/author/leonardo-ferrer) | Feb 04, 2023 ## **Are Pitot-Static Inspections Required?** This is something that has come up many times in our environment. Especially with aircraft like the Diamond DA 20-C1 which is a VFR-only aircraft. The main reason why we are all so confused is because of what we were first taught (Law of Primary). In training, we usually combine Pitot-Static & Transponder inspection together with the 24 calendar inspection. Does AV1ATE ring a bell? A - Annual inspection V - VOR every 30 days 1 - 100 Hours A - Altimeter - Static System T - Transponder E - ELT We normally add that the VOR is only required for **IFR**, but we never add it to the altimeter/pitot-static. So let’s add some clarity by actually reading the regulation. ## FAR 91.411 **§ 91.411 Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections.** **(a)** No [person](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=0dc5e415556e65322f1454c927515578&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) may operate an [airplane](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=ee9803083700896cd85aff74cb4f95ea&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), or [helicopter](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=7dc120721ef47a2c4dc17c9948799e0e&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), in [controlled airspace](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=00805c467a134802dcc6c9ec6690443f&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) under [IFR](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=aef75d49cf54626e1b3a7819cb1d0c1c&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) unless - **(1)** Within the preceding 24 calendar months, each static pressure system, each altimeter [instrument](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=7fe5a7765bc41dd93adc4e9d5f03ea31&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), and each automatic pressure altitude reporting system has been tested and inspected and found to comply with appendices E and F of [part 43](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/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](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/part-43) of this chapter; and **(3)** Following installation or [maintenance](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=fc2f07b03933ee61135b3c5de147ca70&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) on the automatic pressure altitude reporting system of the [ATC](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=c487f56d71bf16469d0dbdf3117c9daa&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) 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](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/part-43) of this chapter. **(b)** The tests required by [paragraph (a)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.411#a) of this section must be conducted by - **(1)** The manufacturer of the [airplane](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=ee9803083700896cd85aff74cb4f95ea&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), or [helicopter](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=7dc120721ef47a2c4dc17c9948799e0e&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), 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](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=7fe5a7765bc41dd93adc4e9d5f03ea31&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) [rating](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=f7d95675690e490547ecde6a8ba75277&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), Class I; **(ii)** A limited [instrument](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=7fe5a7765bc41dd93adc4e9d5f03ea31&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) [rating](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=f7d95675690e490547ecde6a8ba75277&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) appropriate to the make and model of [appliance](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=e59a009c7aff0ef71e001318fe41547d&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) to be tested; **(iii)** A limited [rating](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=f7d95675690e490547ecde6a8ba75277&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) appropriate to the test to be performed; **(iv)** An [airframe](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=ab360e67ab966d9dfdad8ed63858f553&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) [rating](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=f7d95675690e490547ecde6a8ba75277&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) appropriate to the [airplane](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=ee9803083700896cd85aff74cb4f95ea&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), or [helicopter](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=7dc120721ef47a2c4dc17c9948799e0e&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), to be tested; or **(3)** A certificated mechanic with an [airframe](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=ab360e67ab966d9dfdad8ed63858f553&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) [rating](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=f7d95675690e490547ecde6a8ba75277&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) (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](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=0dc5e415556e65322f1454c927515578&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) may operate an [airplane](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=ee9803083700896cd85aff74cb4f95ea&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), or [helicopter](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=7dc120721ef47a2c4dc17c9948799e0e&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), in [controlled airspace](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=00805c467a134802dcc6c9ec6690443f&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) under [IFR](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=aef75d49cf54626e1b3a7819cb1d0c1c&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411) at an altitude above the maximum altitude at which all altimeters and the automatic altitude reporting system of that [airplane](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=ee9803083700896cd85aff74cb4f95ea&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), or [helicopter](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=7dc120721ef47a2c4dc17c9948799e0e&term_occur=999&term_src=Title:14:Chapter:I:Subchapter:F:Part:91:Subpart:E:91.411), have been tested. [Doc. No. 18334, [54 FR 34308](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rio/citation/54_FR_34308), Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by Amdt. 91-269, [66 FR 41116](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rio/citation/66_FR_41116), Aug. 6, 2001; [72 FR 7739](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rio/citation/72_FR_7739), Feb. 20, 2007] We can clearly see that this regulation only applies to IFR flights, it is mentioned on the first line of the regulation. Some people will argue that because the transponder encoder is connected to the Pitot-Static system, then it makes it required, but this is not the case. They are two different regulations (91.413) and the encoder is tested on the transponder inspection. We love to hear your feedback. Have you ran into this issue before? If so, share your experience with us in the comments below! [View full post](https://www.aviator.zone/blog/2022/12/28/far-91411) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Leonardo Ferrer" }, "dateModified" : "2025-03-03T15:06:31.135Z", "datePublished" : "2023-02-04T05:00:00Z", "headline" : "FAR 91.411", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 225, "url" : "https://49130290.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/49130290/Imported_Blog_Media/Aviator%20Zone%20Academy-Pitot%20Static%20System%20Diagram-Mar-03-2025-02-44-20-4629-PM.jpg", "width" : 350 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.aviator.zone/blog/2022/12/28/far-91411", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 60, "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png", "width" : 60 }, "name" : "Blog" } } ```