ELT Recommendations

[Jaguar56]

Jaguar

There are two components to the annual testing.

1) does the hing transmit - easy to do

2) does the device which detects a G load work.

I suspect the second is what the person is talking about. I also suspect there is more than one way to test the G switch.

He was speaking of hooking the system up to some external testing system specific to the manufacturer. So much more than a G switch test. As mentioned here, that is simply a push and stop motion.

In any case he was not prepared to install the new system due to his belief that it requires special equipment and testing. So at this point I just want to get the plane out so I can move forward getting it replaced.

[Clark in AZ]

Anyone running an ELT with a built in GPS?

Clark

[efwd]

not built in but mine will be slaved off of the Garmin WAAS GPS. if your using a glass panel this would likely be much more cost effective than buying one with a built in GPS. Im curious now, what ELT has a built in GPS?

[PapuaPilot]

The added benefit of the internal GPS is that it is standalone and will continue to transmit a GPS position even if it loses GPS data from the aircraft. I decided not to get one because they cost so much. The ACK 04 and others can have an external GPS input. If you have time in an emergency you can activate the ELT before you land using the remote switch and it will be tracking you all the way down.


The second item I would like to address it the annual inspection requirements.

Where I work it is our understanding that you only need to follow the ICA (Instructions for Continued Airworthiness) for each brand of 406 ELT.
- The ICA for the ACK-04 is Section 10 of the Installation Manual, which includes doing the self test every 3 months (Section 9).

FAR 91.207 (d) (annual inspection requirements) does say to check an ELT for:
(1) Proper installation;
(2) Battery corrosion;
(3) Operation of the controls and crash sensor; and
(4) The presence of a sufficient signal radiated from its antenna.

The ACK-04 ICA definitely has you checking items #1 and 3.
It is #2 and 4 that is getting lots of debate. Again it is my understanding that:
- The self test checks for proper signal strength* and battery condition.
- The ELT doesn't need to be bench tested by an avionics shop for signal strength.
- If the ICA doesn't tell you to inspect the battery pack for corrosion then you don't need to open it. FYI Some ELTs have a rubber seal that must be replaced every time you open it. Again, some will disagree on this point.

*FYI there could still be a problem with antenna cable or antenna and the self test may not detect those. You still need to look at the condition of these, but the ACK manual does tell you to look closely at these (section 10, item 2).

[jrevens]

The ACK battery pack, which contains 4 Li SO2 “D” cell batteries has sealing material over the screws, and ACK says specifically that it is not “airworthy” if you open it. The only real adequate way to inspect for corrosion would be to open it. They really just don’t want you to replace the batteries in the pack yourself, in my opinion.

[PapuaPilot]

John, where did you find that information for the ACK batteries? I don't see it in the installation manual.

[jrevens]

John, where did you find that information for the ACK batteries? I don't see it in the installation manual.

I took one apart.