Helicopter
Troubleshooting; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Manuals; Procedure
After returning to work from my scheduled time off; I was informed by the Base Maintenance Personnel that the pitot tubes on the aircraft had been replaced. I did inquire if the system required another 24 month re-certification; or if some other type of check was necessary. I was given a brief explanation of the process; and that the Maintenance personnel had performed the required inspection. The inspection was annotated in the logbook; and signed off as completed; and operational.In a later discussion with another pilot the next morning; with an extensive background in aircraft maintenance; he expressed doubts that the checks reached the level required for this type of repair work. After our conversation; I became concerned because the aircraft had been flown; and decided to follow up with Maintenance on what was necessary to satisfy the pitot system inspection criteria. Again; I was told it was checked as required; operational; and signed off as serviceable.I still had serious reservations; and informed the mechanics that the aircraft was grounded until everyone was satisfied with the specific requirements. The Maintenance staff indicated that they would do additional research; and get back with me. A short time later; the mechanics acknowledged that they did not read far enough into the Maintenance Manual; and that all the required checks had not been performed. The mechanics had to obtain a specific piece of test equipment necessary to properly complete the inspection; and are in the process of testing the system.Flight crew are not familiar enough with the specifics of each inspection; and rely on Maintenance to familiar with the necessary criteria. Additionally; advanced planning would provide the opportunity to have the necessary test equipment on-hand.
Helicopter pilot reported after maintenance work was performed; the mechanics failed to complete all required testing to return aircraft to an airworthy condition.