EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER

PRINCIPLE AND OPERATION

ELT TESTING
ELT SERVICE

Figure 14.1 : Emergency Locator Transmitter

PRINCIPLE AND OPERATION

An emergency locator transmitter (ELT), also referred as a locator beacon, is required on aircraft
to provide a signal or signals that will enable search aircraft or ground stations to find aircraft
that have made crash landings in remote or mountain areas. Even though an ELT is not strictly a
communications or navigation device, it has the element of both. A typical ELT consists of a
self-contained dual frequency radio transmitter and battery power supply with a suitable whip
antenna. When armed, it will be activated by an impact force of 5g or more, as may be
experienced in a crash landing. The ELT emits an omnidirectional signal on the international
distress frequencies of 121.5 and 243 MHz. General Aviation aircraft, commercial aircraft, the
FAA and the CAP (Civil Air Patrol) monitor 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz is monitored by the
military services.
After a crash landing, the ELT will provide line of sight transmission up to 100 mi(161 km) at a
receiver altitude of 10,000ft (3050m). The ELT transmits on both distress frequencies
simultaneously at 75 mW rated power output for 50 continuous hours in the temperature range of
-4 to +1310F (-20 to + 550C).

The fixed ELT must be installed securely in the aircraft at a location where crash damage will be
minimal. The location selected is usually in the area of the tail cone; however, in some cabin
type aircraft the unit is installed in the aft, top part of the cabin. Access is provided in either case
so the unit can be controlled manually. Although most avionics equipment is painted black,
emergency avionics, such as ELT, FDR, CVR, are painted orange to aid in recovery of this
equipment for post crash investigation.

Figure 14.2

TESTING AN ELT

The control panel on an ELT unit contains a switch with three positions: AUTO, OFF and ON.
The unit may be tested by tuning the VHF COMM receiver to 121.5 MHz and then placing the
ELT switch in the ON position. The emergency tone will be heard if the ELT is operating.
Immediately after the test, the switch should be returned to the AUTO position.

If an ELT is inadvertently tuned on, owing to a lightning strike or an exceptionally hard landing,
the control switch should be placed in the OFF position to stop the transmission, and then the
switch should be returned to the AUTO position to arm the unit.
Testing of an ELT should be performed with in the first five minutes of an hour, and only three
pulses of the transmitter should be activated. For example, a test could be conducted between
1.00 pm and 1.05 pm with a maximum of three beeps being heard on frequency of 121.5 MHz.
Tests conducted in this manner do not alert the FAA to a crashed aircraft.

SERVICE FOR AN ELT

An ELT requires a minimum of service; however certain procedures are necessary to assure
satisfactory operation. The battery pack must be changed in accordance with the date stamped on
the unit. Typically, the batteries are replaced every 2 years or after 20 minutes of continuous use.
The replacement data must be clearly marked on the batterys data plate; otherwise the battery is
not airworthy. The ELT should be tested regularly to assure satisfactory operation. An inspection
of the ELT mounting and antenna should be made periodically to ensure firm attachment to the
aircraft.

Regulations regarding the operation of ELTs are set forth in FAR part 91.52. Technicians with
the installation and service of ELTs should be familiar with these regulations and manufacturers
data.