22 February 2015

Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

Reference AIM SAR 3.0

Categories of ELTs
  • A or AD: automatic ejectable or automatic deployable
  • F or AF: fixed or automatic fixed
  • AP: automatic portable
  • P: personal
  • W or S: water-activated or survival

CAR 605.38 ELT
  • relevance to ATPL: large multi-engine turbojet airplanes engaged in air transport service with passengers require two ELTs (type W or S) when operating over water at a distance from land which requires life rafts (recall CAR 602.63 for life raft requirements)

CAR 605.39 Use of ELTs
  • you can operate without a serviceable ELT if it is removed and repaired ASAP and the aircraft is placarded.
  • ELT must be replaced within 10 days for 704 and 705 (30 days for everyone else)
  • if you require 2 ELTs and they are both unserviceable: repair and replace the first ASAP, 10 days grace for the second

CAR 605.40 ELT Activation
  • the only reason an ELT should be activated is in the event of an emergency, or testing (5 seconds only during the first 5 minutes of any hour)
  • in the event of inadvertent activation, advise ATC / FSS / aerodrome and switch off

Note from AIM SAR 3.8: Unlike traditional 121.5/243 MHz ELTS, 406 MHz ELTs and their associated cockpit remote switch should be tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions only.

Pilot Response to Signals - notify nearest ATS:
  • position, altitude and time first heard and contact lost
  • ELT signal strength and did it cease suddenly or fade

Downed Aircraft Procedures:
  • switch ELT on ASAP and do not cycle or switch off until positively located
  • raising ELT from ground level to 8 ft may increase range by 20-40%
  • if in an uninhabited area, stay with aircraft and ELT (more visible than people), have smoke/flares/signal fires read to attract SAR

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