Debating whether digital pitot-static test sets are worth the upgrade over analog

I spent 8 years using an old analog Barfield setup at my last shop in Phoenix. Tested maybe 30 planes a month and it got the job done but took forever to stabilize readings. Moved to a shop in Denver 6 months ago that uses a new digital DPS1000 and man, I'm testing 45 planes a month now with way less rework. The digital unit cuts test time by maybe 40% per aircraft but costs 3 times as much upfront. My old boss says analog is fine and digital is a waste, but the new shop claims it pays for itself in 18 months. What's your take on making that switch for an independent shop working on GA stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

holly_henderson861mo ago

Your old boss says analog is fine"... well he's not wrong, but times change.

wendy_jackson1mo ago

My old boss still uses a tape machine from 1982 and swears by it, but you can't even get spare parts for that thing anymore. Digital might not have the same "warmth" (whatever that means) but at least I can actually collaborate with people without shipping tapes across the country.