ron sterba
Well Known Member
Off hand does anyone know where I can find in the FAA rules on when I can test a ELT ( Emergency Locate transmitter ). Panel getting its final checks. Thanks
Ron in Oregon RV9A
Ron in Oregon RV9A
Off hand does anyone know where I can find in the FAA rules on when I can test a ELT ( Emergency Locate transmitter ). Panel getting its final checks. Thanks
Ron in Oregon RV9A
For those Canadians reading this thread, the answer is simple. Testing may be done in the first 5 minutes of the UTC hour. This applies to both 121.5 and 406MHz units.
Note that most 406 units come with instructions that are very clear about not leaving the unit it test mode for an extended period. The way 406 signaling is designed, the ELT sends an 'invalid/test' signal if it broadcasts within the first 50 seconds following activation. After 50 seconds, you're broadcasting a valid distress signal that WILL cause the alarm bells to go off. Please be very careful about keeping 406 ELT tests short, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Thank you KENT! Boy did I get lucky with your study work. I have been told tonite that (not sure of this info) that a re-register every two years with NOAA/FCC to verify owners address,,,,#2,,,,a test of the unit every 90 days,,,,,#3,, yearly inspection of all ELT cables,remote switch and unit. You should label unit when internal batteries are due to expire. I guess more home work! Kent was any of what I just posted show up in your study material?
Mark, mine is a ECK 121.5 / 406 ELT. Glad you brought that up also on the transmit on the 406 to the satellites. I have to check the company's website tomorrow. Thanks guys. This type material needs to be in a safe place, when I find it, ( course I should have left myself a note where it could be found ).
Ron in Oregon RV9A
Canada requires ELT "performance testing" annually which requires the ELT be active and transmitting for at least 3 minutes while monitoring input current draw, and transmit frequency strength and frequency. The on wing periodic checks do not require any special tooling or procedures, however the annual check should be performed by a shop that has the ELT manufacturer's Component Maintenance Manual and calibrated equipment that is required.
https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/regserv/cars/part5-standards-a571sg-1897.htm
Thank you KENT! Boy did I get lucky with your study work. I have been told tonite that (not sure of this info) that a re-register every two years with NOAA/FCC to verify owners address,,,,#2,,,,a test of the unit every 90 days,,,,,#3,, yearly inspection of all ELT cables,remote switch and unit. You should label unit when internal batteries are due to expire. I guess more home work! Kent was any of what I just posted show up in your study material?
Mark, mine is a ACK 121.5 / 406 ELT. Glad you brought that up also on the transmit on the 406 to the satellites. I have to check the company's website tomorrow. Thanks guys. This type material needs to be in a safe place, when I find it, ( course I should have left myself a note where it could be found ).
Ron in Oregon RV9A
I agree that the performance testing should be eliminated. It appears that it is a left over requirement from the 121.5 Mhz TSO C91, C91a days. The TSO C126 ELTs have built in test equipment such as frequency counters, watt meters, volt meters and timers, that will flash an error code if the ELT is not functioning correctly.
As you say Mike, unplugging a good ELT from 2 or more major sources of failure ( remote switch, mounting bracket, antennae) and then testing it on a bench/test cell proved almost nothing.
Then Mr. Doofus ( me) tries to wrangle it back into place and reconnect everything, with no assurance that it's been done correctly. (Waddington wins, again!)
...and don't' get me started on the self-test procedures.....try to watch the dash indicator for 3 red flashes, while watching the ELT in the tail for 3 green flashes, while listening for 3 beeps, at 5 min after the hour, while a jet is taxiing past, but not for more than 30 seconds.....geez! 100% doomed to fail!