ELT

Question 1

What is the new standard for ELT?

Answer 1

406 Mhz. It transmits a more powerful signal of 5 watts

Question 2

What are the 5 types of ELTs?

Answer 2

• A or AD: Automatic or Automatic Deploy
• F or AF: Fixed of Automatic Fixed
• AP: Automatic Portable
• P: Personal
  * W or S: Water-Activated or Survival

Question 3

Which two of the ELT types are actually mounted in your AC?

Answer 3

A / AD and F / AF
(Automatic Deploy and Automatic Fixed)

Question 4

How do you test an old style ELT? How about the newer 406 Mhz ELT?

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

When do you need an ELT and what are the exceptions?

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

Once the ELT is turned on, do not ….

Answer 6

Do not turn it off.

Question 7

If you carry a personal/portable ELT, what is the best practice if in an emergency?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What are the rules around an ELT that becomes unserviceable?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What maintenance needs to be performed on the old style ELTs?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What should you do if you accidentally activate your ELT?

Answer 10

Call nearest ATS unit and let them know:
* Location of transmission
* Time it went on
* Duration (how long if was on for)

Question 11

Where is the ELT typically located?

Answer 11