AviationBanter - View Single Post

**Scott Morgan** · #29 September 16th 10, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gross_arrow

"Kevin Chandler" wrote in message ...
One additional thing I thought of is.....

Why do ground schools teach all of the rules of when you can test the ELT
( first 5 minutes of each hour ) if you are not authorized to test it?

Anyone else find this curious?
Kevin

'cuz that's what the aim says: 6-2-5:

b. Testing.

1. ELT's should be tested in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions, preferably in a shielded or
screened room or specially designed test container to
prevent the broadcast of signals which could trigger a false
alert.

2. When this cannot be done, aircraft operational testing is
authorized as follows:

(a) Analog 121.5/243 MHz ELT's should only
be tested during the first 5 minutes after any
hour. If operational tests must be made outside
of this period, they should be coordinated with
the nearest FAA Control Tower or FSS. Tests
should be no longer than three audible sweeps.
If the antenna is removable, a dummy load
should be substituted during test procedures.

(b) Digital 406 MHz ELT's should only be tested
in accordance with the unit's manufacturer's
instructions.

(c) Airborne tests are not authorized.

you can do this test, but this doesn't satisfy the requirement of
91.207(d), which includes a test of the "crash sensor". the ai
must do this test (i think he drops it on the floor or something).
anyway, that's my take, fwiw.

g_a

I am the former commander of the Air Force Coordination Center (AFRCC) and I now work for ACR Electronics. As already implied, you can't test the 406 MHz ELT at the top of the hour like the 121.5 without getting a call from the AFRCC. When I left active duty, a small group of us got together and came up with a testing site that allows you test the 406 ELT like you did with the 121.5 called 406Link.com. We recently launched a new website called 406Test.com which satisfies the requirement for initial and annual testing of the ELT. Plus, it doesn’t require any expensive ELT testing equipment. If you want to make sure the 406 MHz ELT is installed correctly and the ELT is transmitting to the satellites use www.406Test.com service. You receive a confirmation SMS text message when you perform a self test of an installed 406 ELT, seconds after you perform the test. By using the service you know (1) that the beacon is transmitting with enough power, (2) the antenna is working and properly installed and (3) the satellites have picked up the signal. Also, you don’t need a screen room because you do it onboard the aircraft. If you have any questions please contact me.