Ground operation of the PITOT STATIC button ON is limited to how long?

Ground operation of the PITOT STATIC button ON is limited to how long?

• A. 1 minute
• B. 2 minutes
• C. 3 minutes
• D. 5 minutes

Answer: (B)

The pitot-static heater is used to prevent ice buildup in the pitot tube and static ports, but when the aircraft is on the ground there’s almost no cooling air flowing over the sensors. To avoid overheating the heater and the associated plumbing while the aircraft isn’t moving, this system on the ground is limited to a short duration—two minutes. After about two minutes, you should switch it off unless flight conditions require it and you’re operating under procedures that allow extended use. In flight, you can use the heater as needed to manage icing, but on the ground the safety limit is two minutes.

The pitot-static heater is used to prevent ice buildup in the pitot tube and static ports, but when the aircraft is on the ground there’s almost no cooling air flowing over the sensors. To avoid overheating the heater and the associated plumbing while the aircraft isn’t moving, this system on the ground is limited to a short duration—two minutes. After about two minutes, you should switch it off unless flight conditions require it and you’re operating under procedures that allow extended use. In flight, you can use the heater as needed to manage icing, but on the ground the safety limit is two minutes.