Pitot-Static System Leak Detector Kit
Introducing AviTool’s inexpensive pitot-static system Leak Detector™. The AviTool Leak Detector is a kit of components, hand pumps and a digital gauge that enables you to easily and reliably test the integrity of an aircraft’s pitot-static system for leaks. Cost is $399 USD and it does not require annual re-certification.
Using this instrument enables the aircraft mechanic to satisfy the FAA requirement (FAR 91.411), regarding leak testing “following any opening and closing of the static pressure system”*. You’ll also save time and money by using the Leak Detector to check the integrity of the pitot-static system prior to taking the aircraft in for an IFR (altimeter & transponder) certification by avoiding being told that you have a leak (somewhere) and that the “cert” can’t be completed until it is repaired. When you discover a leak beforehand, the Leak Detector can also be used to efficiently locate the leak and then confirm the system’s integrity after the repair*.
The modular design of the kit allows it to adapt to most GA and experimental aircraft pitot-static systems. It even comes with a universal pitot-tube adapter. The Leak Detector kit comes with numerous fittings, including push-to-connect, AN4 (aluminum), nylon and brass fittings to adapt to most systems make setup easy. The detailed instructions remove the complexity and streamline the testing process while helping you to avoid making an expensive mistake, as well as guide you in locating the source of leaks. All the kit’s components, extra tubing and fittings come in a handy carrying case.
For aircraft with traditional fuselage-mounted static port(s), AviTools offers an inexpensive static port adapter (as an option) that is compatible with the Leak Detector. See below.
Note, the Leak Detector can not be used to complete the static system tests for pressurized aircraft nor for IFR certification as the kit is incapable of “driving” an aircraft’s altitude measuring equipment to the high altitudes required by the FAA testing procedure, not to mention that these certification tests must be performed by an FAA repair station with ratings in this area.
* The FAA stipulates that pitot-static leak tests for certified GA aircraft be performed by an appropriately rated FAA repair station or A&P mechanic with experience in this area.
Standard Pitot Tube Adapter
The inexpensive silicone 5/8″ ID pitot-tube adapter (included with the Leak Detector™ kit) snugly fits over common cast-aluminum/chrome pitot tubes (Cessna style) enabling a no-leak connection between the aircraft’s pitot system and the pitot-static test equipment. The other end of the adapter (away from the pitot tube) is equipped with a standard 1/4″ OD tube press-to-connect fitting for quickly and securely attaching to your pitot-static test set. A zip-tie may be used when the pitot tube is undersized, shows wear/corrosion or when there is a question of leakage. Cost $59 USD.
Piper/Diamond Pitot-Static “Blade” Port Adapter
The unique, but novel, design of the Piper/Diamond pitot-static blade (shown on right) makes it nearly impossible to couple directly to it for testing, thus an equally as novel adapter is needed. Several pitot-static blade adapters exist on the market, but they are quite expensive. AviTool worked with a pitot-static test equipment manufacturer to produce a more economical solution. The adapter enables simultaneous testing of both pitot and static systems. It is equipped with two aluminum AN4 male fittings for connecting to the pitot-static test set, facilitating a leak-free connection between the blade and the pitot-static test equipment. Its design is flexible, allowing for variations in the port positions of different pitot-static blades. Cost $499 USD.
Static Port Adapter
The easiest and preferred way to perform a static leak test on an aircraft is to temporally connect your test equipment directly to the static port of the aircraft. Attaching something with mass to a vertical surface that can not move is the challenge. Should the connection fail, the test pressure or vacuum will suddenly be lost, potentially damaging the attached instruments. Using lots of tape, putty, boards and straps is not the answer. Solutions do exist using good quality suction cups. Commercial static port adapters exist, but are costly. AviTool has designed two economic solutions for the occasional user; a basic suction cup mount adapter and a hand-pump version.
The basic suction cup mount static
port adapter ($199), typically holds the center “test” fitting in place over the aircraft static port for 20-30 minutes or more – long enough to perform several tests before the need to reset it, if needed.
The hand-pump 
model ($299), holds the adapter in place much longer and visually indicates when a mounting cup is losing vacuum (if any) – in time to add more vacuum to secure the mounting cup.
Both adapters come with a narrow (2mm/ 0.8″) wide bellows suction cup at the center of the mount which is attached to a 1/4” a quick disconnect push-to-connect tube fitting compatible with the Leak Detector and other pitot-static test sets. 
A larger interchangeable center suction cup is available from AviTool for $49 to surround unusually-surfaced static ports such as found on Cirrus aircraft that contain a step. See photo.
Note, static port adapters won’t remain mounted reliably when a suction cup mount is placed over paint lines, decals, rivets, overlapping sheet metal or unusually tight radiuses. Mount the static port adapter to avoid these conditions and be sure to clean the suction cups and aircraft surface well before applying.
For exceptionally difficult mounting conditions, AviTool also sells reusable cushioned double-sticky pads that greatly increase the adherence of the mounting cups to the fuselage.
All AviTool pitot-static adapters come with detailed user instructions.
To inquire about or purchase an AviTool product, please call (513) 739-0300 or email us at sales@avi-tool.com.
We accept most credit and debit cards.
Product costs shown exclude the cost of shipping and any credit/debit card processing fee. And, best of all, there is no sales tax on aviation accessories & tools in most states.
AviTool • Cincinnati, OH • sales@avi-tool.com • (513) 531-0300
