How can you tell if your flute has an air leak?

[flutes_of_song]

Yes i know some of the notes wont work, but i've gone to get it fixed four times already and it still doesn't work. And also, how could i fix it myself?

[fluteguy18]

How can you fix it yourself?
Answer: Don't


I am almost willing to bet that you took your flute to a band repair technitian. Send it to a good flute tech that actually knows what they are doing, not just the guy in that music store down the street. Any repairman worth doing business with will fix any problems that were initially overlooked, free of charge.

[pied_piper]

I second fluteguy18. Repairs should be left to a competent repair tech. Very experienced flutists can learn to do simple maintenance, but it shouldn't be attempted without a thorough knowledge of the instrument and training in repair techniques so that you know your limitations.

Even a band instrument tech should be able to get an average flute into playing condition. Unless the tech is totally incompetent, if he/she has worked on it four times, I would expect all notes to be playable.

Here's a link for tips to check your flute for leaks or other problems:
http://www.jennifercluff.com/check.htm

Do you know a flute teacher or another flutist that could test your flute and also observe your playing?