A new idea for ELT antenna placement

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Mel

It is not the responsibility of the DAR to see that TSOs are met.
That is the responsibility of the owner/operator.
Same goes for the transponder/altitude reporting system, lighting systems, etc.

It is the DARs responsibility to confirm that the aircraft meets 21.191(g).

21.191(g) almost says diddly -

(g) Operating amateur-built aircraft. Operating an aircraft the major portion of which has been fabricated and assembled by persons who undertook the construction project solely for their own education or recreation.

Essentially, if that is your only criteria, all you need to do is check the 51% rule and issue the certificate...

There must be a few more FARs a DAR must follow...

You don't confirm the aircraft meets the requirements of 91.207?

[Mel]

How many FSDO inspectors have you seen checking the TSOs on equipment installed on Amateur-Built Aircraft?

Most everything a DAR inspects is to help the applicant make sure that the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation. This is NOT a requirement, it is simply why most builders opt for a DAR.

Reality check:
How many RV-8s are certificated?
How many of them do you think comply with the ELT TSO?
The RV-8 was simply not designed with this in mind.

Again, final responsibility rests with the owner/operator.

[Sam Buchanan]

Yep, I think it is safe to say there are absolutely zero ways to install an ELT antenna on an RV-8 per the TSO. The sliding canopy design makes a "legal" installation impossible.

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan

Yep, I think it is safe to say there are absolutely zero ways to install an ELT antenna on an RV-8 per the TSO. The sliding canopy design makes a "legal" installation impossible.

Interesting dilemma, How do you meet a required FAR when you can't?

[Steve Ashby]

I spent considerable time contemplating this issue and concluded that my best option is to mount the ELT antenna on the bottom of the fuselage. In the event of a crash in which I am disabled and unable to activate the ELT myself, there is a reasonable probability that the fuse will be inverted and the antenna oriented just like the engineers and bureaucrats desire. Given the lack of reasonable alternatives in an 8, I just made the executive decision and left the rest up to the good Lord.

[AirbusPilot]

Originally Posted by az_gila

That installation would not meet the required US TSO.

From the ACK-451 manual

The antenna must be installed VERTICALLY (within ? 15o of the vertical plane is acceptable).

Again, a rule bending DAR would be needed....

Hi Mel,

Yes you are right, I didn't meet TSO, but not because I want to, it's almost impossible to meet TSO in a RV-8 at least you modify the canopy. I choose to install the antenna under fairing because is where "mother ship" installed and I also I know it works even inside my hangar. I am building a second RV-8 and probably will do the same, I haven't see a better place to install ELT antenna here on VAF.

Cheers,

Fernando

[jthocker]

Originally Posted by AirbusPilot

Hi Mel,

Yes you are right, I didn't meet TSO, but not because I want to, it's almost impossible to meet TSO in a RV-8 at least you modify the canopy. I choose to install the antenna under fairing because is where "mother ship" installed and I also I know it works even inside my hangar. I am building a second RV-8 and probably will do the same, I haven't see a better place to install ELT antenna here on VAF.

Cheers,

Fernando

Good for you Fernando!
I'm in the camp of "living life" and seeking "forgiveness" rather than watching others live life while "seeking permission"!

[DanH]

I've heard of folks mounting them inside the wingtip. Same antenna orientation upside down or right side up, and the antenna cable doesn't pass through structure.

[airguy]

Originally Posted by DanH

I've heard of folks mounting them inside the wingtip. Same antenna orientation upside down or right side up, and the antenna cable doesn't pass through structure.

Not sure I like that, the ELT G-switch really should be mounted in primary fuselage structure. I hard-mounted mine in the fuselage just behind the baggage compartment and put my ELT antenna under the fairing for lack of a better location.

[jetdriven]

The instructions say the antenna must be mounted within 30 degrees of vertical.