ELT Flashcards
What is the new standard for ELT?
406 Mhz. It transmits a more powerful signal of 5 watts
What are the 5 types of ELTs?
- A or AD: Automatic or Automatic Deploy
- F or AF: Fixed of Automatic Fixed
- AP: Automatic Portable
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P: Personal
* W or S: Water-Activated or Survival
Which two of the ELT types are actually mounted in your AC?
A / AD and F / AF
(Automatic Deploy and Automatic Fixed)
How do you test an old style ELT? How about the newer 406 Mhz ELT?
Old: Must be done only during the first 5 minutes of any UTC hour and you can only test it for up to 5 seconds.
406 Mhz: Test only as directed by the manufacturer. Testing any other way may produce a false alert. Selection of the ‘on’ position for more than 50 seconds will send an alert to the nearest Joint Rescue Coordination Center.
406 Mhz beacons have a self-test function, which also tests the power output of the 121.5 transmitter.
When do you need an ELT and what are the exceptions?
- If you are going more than 25NM from home base you need an ELT
Exemptions:
* Gliders
* Baloons
* Airships (blimps)
* Ultra-Lights
* Gyroplanes
* Large commercial jets
Once the ELT is turned on, do not ….
Do not turn it off.
If you carry a personal/portable ELT, what is the best practice if in an emergency?
Because it is a line of sight device, moving it to a clear and, if possible, elevated area even just 8 feet off the ground can increase the range by 20% - 40%
Also putting it on top of or near metal
Don’t keep it on your person, as your body will absorb most of the signal
What are the rules around an ELT that becomes unserviceable?
The AC can be operated up to 30 days if:
* The ELT is removed at the first aerodrome at which repairs can be accomplished
* The ELT is promptly sent to a maintenance facility
* A placard is displayed in the cockpit saying that the ELT is removed and the date it was removed on
What maintenance needs to be performed on the old style ELTs?
Water ELTs: batteries changed every 5 years or less
Non-water ELTs: batteries changed every 12 months
OR batteries shall be maintained however the manufacturer specifies. All this maintenance is done by an Avionics Technician
What should you do if you accidentally activate your ELT?
Call nearest ATS unit and let them know:
* Location of transmission
* Time it went on
* Duration (how long if was on for)
Where is the ELT typically located?