Aero-Instruments Receives FAA Approval for Replacement Pitot Probes for Airbus-Manufactured Aircraft

CLEVELAND, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Aero-Instruments announced today that, after 18 months of rigorous testing and evaluation, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has approved the company's 0851HL-AI Pitot Probe as a replacement part on Airbus S.A.S. airplanes flown worldwide.

The Aero-Instruments' 0851HL-AI Pitot Probe can now be installed on the more than 4,500 Airbus A318, A319, A320, A321, A330 and A340 series airplanes in operation worldwide. Each Airbus commercial aircraft has three Pitot Probes, which are the primary air speed sensing components on aircraft and are designed with integrated electrical heaters to prevent icing.

"After 18 months of rigorous testing, the FAA's approval of our replacement Pitot Probes for Airbus-manufactured commercial aircraft is a significant milestone for Aero-Instruments," said Ryan S. Mifsud, Vice President / General Manager. "These precision-engineered parts were tested to very demanding specifications, in accordance with those required by regulatory agencies and aircraft manufacturers. The ability to deliver such a high performance product and superior customer service is a source of pride for our company."

Mifsud said, "Pitot Probes are essential to the safe flight of all aircraft, and we are delighted to play a role in this very important segment of the aerospace market. Our products are flying on tens of thousands of aircraft worldwide because we are able to provide standard or unique Pitot Probes for virtually every aircraft application."

In granting Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) for the Aero-Instruments 0851HL-AI Pitot Probe, the FAA concluded that the part meets or exceeds the agreed upon certification plan, which was based on the requirements of TSO C-16A, including the icing requirements outlined in SAE AS393, AS8006, and BS2G.135.

With this new FAA-PMA approval for Airbus-manufactured aircraft, Aero-Instruments is able to supply replacement Pitot and Pitot-Static Probes for after-market installation on the majority of aircraft operated by the world's airlines. Aero-Instruments is one of only three companies in the world whose Pitot Probes are approved for Airbus commercial aircraft, and one of only two companies approved for Boeing commercial aircraft. Aero-Instruments received its first FAA certification for replacement parts for Boeing-manufactured commercial planes in 2006.

In addition to offering air data sensors for commercial airlines, Aero-Instruments manufactures Pitot Probes and related devices and systems for the general aviation, rotorcraft, defense, business jet and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle markets.

About Aero-Instruments

Aero-Instruments is one of the most trusted names in the design and manufacture of Air Data Sensors for aerospace applications. Founded in 1925, the privately held company based in Cleveland, Ohio, produces electrically heated Pitot Probes, Pitot-Static Probes and Static Pressure Ports for the aerospace and defense industries. Aero-Instruments' products are flying on tens of thousands of aircraft around the world, including commercial aircraft, military aircraft, business jets, general aviation, rotorcraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. For more information, visit www.aero-instruments.com/.

SOURCE Aero-Instruments