(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
appendix E 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), appendices E and F, 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
(v) A limited rating for a manufacturer issued for the appliance in
accordance with §145.101(b)(4) of this chapter; 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.