Case Study:

Laboratory Testing Solutions, Leading European Airline

The Honeywell/Sperry ADT-222A used to be the workhorse of any PART 145 avionics shop for years. As an Air Data Tester, it is respected worldwide for its accuracy and reliability, but the instrument has been getting old in recent years, and some companies are finding them difficult and costly to repair and re-certify.

This was the case in early 2019 when Laversab were contacted by a leading European airline. The airline had two ADT-222A’s, which were beginning to prove problematic and costly to maintain.  They had, in fact, made the decision to retire one of their units as a result and were entering into a competitive tender process with several OEM’s to replace both units in their Avionics Workshops.

The airline was seeking replacement equipment that met or exceeded the required specifications of the spectrum of aircraft instruments – Altimeters, Vertical speed indicators, Airspeed indicators, Pressure Gages, Angle of Sideslip (AoS) & various other transducers and sensors. They routinely test, repair, and recertify these instruments across their fleet of A330, B737, B747, B777, B787, & Embraer 175/190.

The chosen test solution also had to offer them portability by freeing them from the confines of external Pressure and Vacuum lines systems. Some of the Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) tested and repaired in their workshops required testing in an environmental chamber, so the final solution needed to support this requirement.  The units also required calibration under ISO 17025 certification.

The airline approached Laversab as part of this tender process with regard to our rack-mounted Model 6580 ADTS. We provided a comprehensive information package, competitive pricing, and world-class ongoing Customer Support to that leading airline.

After further discussions between the two companies, Laversab had a Model 6580 ADTS sent from Houston to Europe to perform a demonstration and enable a period of evaluation at the airline’s facilities in Western Europe.

The Laversab Model 6580 is a rack-mount unit with built-in pressure and vacuum pumps featuring quiet operation. This test set can be used to test and calibrate altimeters, airspeed/Mach indicators, Climb indicators, Flight data recorders, Air data computers, and EPR indicators. The high accuracy of these units meets all RVSM requirements. The High Accuracy version is able to meet the most stringent levels of accuracy possible with pressure accuracy down to 0.002 inHg on altitude ranges of -4k to 100K ft.

Each Model 6580 includes one pressure pump and two vacuum pumps for higher reliability. The pressure system includes a membrane dryer and filter to provide clean dry air to the entire system. All the pumps have a minimum of 5000 hours of operational life which offers their users years of reliable, accurate and trouble-free testing capabilities.

The demonstration conducted by our EMEA Business Development Manager included a full explanation of the system capabilities and functions, including the ability to load and save up to 20 test profiles.

After a detailed period of assessment and reflection on the tenders, the airline announced they wished to proceed with the purchase of two units from Laversab and required a comprehensive (and free as part of the Laversab Advantage) training program to be completed when the units arrived.

The two 6580’s arrived in Europe in December 2019 and our EMEA Business Development Manager was at the airline’s facility within a few days to undertake the training program for thirteen Technicians and Engineers carried out over two groups.

The training took each group through the basic set up and operation of the Model 6580. During an interactive session, all attendees used the equipment to ensure they were comfortable with the operation. The groups also connected a series of altimeters, vertical speed indicators and other sensors to the ADTS. They collectively carried out the CMM test procedures to ensure the processes were easily translated to functional operation of the ADTS. The group thereby confirmed that the CMM test procedures could be fully completed in every regard.

After the training sessions were complete, our Business Development Manager followed up with the airline a few weeks later to ensure everything was ok. The airline reported that the workshops and their technicians were successfully using the equipment, and they thanked Laversab for our cooperation and support.

Do you need to replace your old avionics workshop or Ramp Test Sets? Laversab offers equipment to meet your every Air Data Test need, backed by unsurpassed Customer Support. Talk to your local Business Development Manager today, and we can provide you with the Laversab Advantage.