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Depicted is the ELT securely located in a Cessna 172.
Meeting the New ELT Requirements
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Most Aircraft Owners And Operators Are Aware That The Australian Caa Has Mandated The Installation Of Approvedemergency Locator Transmitters (Elts).
Most aircraft owners and operators are aware that the Australian CAA has mandated the installation of approved Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). After some delay, CAR 252A and CAAP 252A-1 were issued. The CAR defines July 1, 1995 as the date by which operable, approved ELTs must be installed in most aircraft. The CAAP provides guidance on ELT system design. Anecdotal evidence indicates that some new ELTS are being installed without consideration for the proper functioning of the units. Under the COSPAS/SARSAT system, it is most important to ensure that each and every installation will function as intended. As is the case with all approved aircraft modifications, there is a range of matters to be considered. In regard to ELTS, the matters to be considered are defined broadly as structural and system function.
(A) Structural — The Elt Unit In Particular Is Required To Be Mounted On A Very Robust Structure.
(a) Structural — The ELT unit in particular is required to be mounted on a very robust structure. Virtually all existing (old style) ELT installations do not meet the current requirements for mounting stiffness. Similarly, most existing radio racks do not meet these stiffness requirements. The ELT antenna mounting has similar stiffness requirements.
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(B) System — On Completion Of The Elt System Installation, Specific Functional Test Requirements Must Be Carried Out.
(b) System — On completion of the ELT system installation, specific functional test requirements must be carried out. These are usually defined in the suppliers’ instructions, and are also summarised in the CAAP. Periodic maintenance as defined in AD/RAD/50 must also be carried out, and must be included in the aircraft maintenance schedule. Recognising the challenge posed by the CAA’s new ELT requirements, the South Australian based, Australian Flight Test Services Pty Ltd (AFTS) decided to develop standardised designs. AFTS provides solutions for a range of aircraft types. The advantage of these complete packages is that all the preliminary work has already been done. Owners and operators have three choices in regard to the approval of the design for individual aircraft. These are:
(a) AFTS – approved as a part of the AFTS standard package (b) Another CAR 35 organisation — where available (c) The CAA Regional Office — may be willing to approve.
It should be noted that stiffness testing of the ELT mounting structure is a requirement of the CAAP, and thus forms a part of the approval process. As a service to Australian Aviation readers AFTS is happy to send information free of charge and without obligation to any aircraft owner or operator who is intending to have an approved ELT installation carried out. Contact Bruce Blake on (08) 262 6998 or Fax: (08) 343 8888.
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