I wanted to get some input from you all on static wicks. At $40 bucks a pop, we are getting tired of replacing them. Having flown our other aircraft with none and never had a problem, I wonder whether they are worth replacing. I know the reason for them, how they work, etc., but the only aircraft I've ever had enough static build up on to interfer with the radios have been fast aircraft in heavy precip. They are listed as S for standard equipment and not R Required on the Cessna Equipment list.

So, what are your thoughts? Waste of money or necessary maintenance?

Depends on the use of the aircraft. If you are going to be operating in a good bit of actual IMC, I'd replace them. If not, take em off.

What is breaking them off, by the way? We hardly ever replace them on school airplanes....??

MTV

That is pretty much my thoughts on them as well. As for what is breaking them off, the largest culprit is the wing/tail covers on the aircraft, usually during the winter when they are brittle. They break, then the sharp ends cut the wing covers, which are costly to repair. Since we are out here in UT, no one really flies them in actual IMC.

Yep, wing covers and static wicks don't mix well. If you're not doing much actual IMC, I'd remove them and forget about it.

MTV

The last time I lost one, it was -30f
I landed at a cabin and one of my friends visitors said,
Whats this ? as he wiggled it, it was off..

be sure to check your MEL before you remove them your plane might be technically grounded with out them. I know my first flight school was really anal about it and would ground a plane if one static wick was missing until you could get some one from the shop to replace it...... ya I don't fly there anymore.

Trevdog,

Most airplanes out there don't have an MEL. If they're removed, technically, a logbook entry by an A/P mechanic has to be made in the aircraft logs.

MTV

mtv wrote:Most airplanes out there don't have an MEL. If they're removed, technically, a logbook entry by an A/P mechanic has to be made in the aircraft logs.

right I meant to say "equipment list" and wow just a sign off how simple is that.