Why does nobody talk about the old fiber optic light meters for pitot-static checks?

We found a 15 year old one in a hangar in Mobile and compared it to our new digital unit, the readings were within 0.1% after a fresh cal. Anyone still have these in their kit as a backup?

3 comments

3 Comments

elizabethf8518d ago

Oh man, that 0.1% is NO JOKE. We had the same thing happen with an old fiber optic unit we found buried in a shelf at Pensacola. I was so skeptical at first but after we ran it against our brand new digital meter on three different pitot-static testers, the old one was actually MORE stable on the pressure side. I swear, those things were made back when people actually over-engineered stuff. Plus there's something satisfying about the way the fiber optic needle moves - it's like watching a car gauge from the 80s. I'd keep it in the truck forever just for those days when the digital unit decides to throw a fit.

mia_thompson133mo ago

Honestly those old fiber optic meters are built like tanks. We kept one as a backup for years because the digital ones can act up in really cold hangars. As long as it's been calibrated, that 0.1% check is solid. Might be worth hanging onto it just for peace of mind.

kelly.robin3mo ago

I get the "built like tanks" thing, but that weight and bulk is exactly why we got rid of ours. Our old fiber optic unit was a pain to carry up ladders and took forever to warm up and settle. The new digital one is just faster and easier for every single check.