AerScheduler

14 CFR Part 91 · Subpart E · Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations

14 CFR 91.411: Altimeter and pitot-static checks for IFR

To fly IFR in controlled airspace, an airplane or helicopter's static system, altimeters and altitude reporting equipment must have been tested within the preceding 24 calendar months. The test is also required after the static system is opened or the encoder is worked on.

Section last amended December 30, 2016 · Text current as of October 15, 2026 · Also cited as FAR 91.411 · Read it on eCFR

14 CFR 91.411 in plain English

  • Every 24 calendar months, the static system, each altimeter and the automatic altitude reporting must pass the tests in Part 43 Appendices E and F. (a)(1)
  • Opening and closing the static system, other than using the drain or alternate static valve, requires a new static test. (a)(2)
  • Work on the transponder's altitude reporting that could introduce a correspondence error requires a new integrated test. (a)(3)
  • The test is done by the aircraft manufacturer, a suitably rated repair station, or, for the static system test only, a mechanic with an airframe rating. (b)
  • You may not fly IFR above the highest altitude the altimeters and encoder were tested to. (d)

Common questions

Do I need the pitot-static check to fly VFR?
Not under this section, which applies to IFR in controlled airspace. The transponder check in 91.413 applies whenever the transponder is required, VFR included.
Can my A&P do the altimeter test?
A mechanic with an airframe rating may do the static pressure system test only. The altimeter and altitude reporting tests need the manufacturer or an appropriately rated repair station.

Official text of 14 CFR 91.411

§ 91.411 Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections. Verbatim from the eCFR, current as of October 15, 2026.

(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.

Related

AerScheduler tracks the annual, 100-hour, transponder, pitot-static, ELT and VOR checks by hours and calendar months, and takes an aircraft off the schedule when its annual lapses. See how