PSTAR: Emergency Locator Transmitters ELT

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PSTAREmergency Locator Transmitters (ELT)
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Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

• A transmitter that broadcast a distress signal in
  the event of a sudden declaration (accident).
• ELTs emit a siren like signal on 121.5 and/or
  243 MHz.
• Signals are transmitted to Search and Rescue
  satellites which indicate a search area.

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Location of ELTs

• Looks like a orange plastic box about 12 inches
  long usually located in the tail of the aircraft.

Ø     FGU 241f
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Types of ELT

• A or AD Automatic or automatic deployable
• F or AF Fixed or automatic fixed
• AP Automatic portable
• P Personnel
• W or S Water-activated or survival

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Testing an ELT

• Testing of an ELT must be done only during the
  first 5 minutes of any UTC hour and restricted in
  duration to not more than 5 seconds.

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Testing an ELT (2)

• Due the the power of the ELT and the closeness of
  the communication radio in the airplane the
  signal will likely wash-over other frequencies.

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ELT Requirements

• All airplanes must have an ELT that are operated
  outside of 25 nm miles from the home base.
• The only exemptions are gliders, balloons,
  airships, ultra-light, gyroplanes and large
  commercial jets.

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ELT Requirements (2)

• Despite exemptions, all pilots are reminded that
  although some flights without ELTs may be legal,
  in a vast and rugged country like Canada they are
  always advisable and cheep insurance.

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Search and Rescue System
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ELT Operating Instructions

• The 3 way toggle switch has 3 settings
• OFF Will not activate
• ARM Will activate in the event of a accident.
• ON Transmitting.

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ELT Operating InstructionsIn an emergency

• The ELTs in general aviation aircraft contain a
  g-sensor which will detect the deceleration
  characteristics of a crash and automatically
  activate the transmitter.
• However, it is always safest to assume that the
  automatic activation feature failed, so place the
  ELT function switch to ON as soon as possible
  after the crash.

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ELT Operating InstructionsIn an emergency (2)

• Do not delay ELT activation till flight planned
  times expire, as such delays will only delay
  rescue.
• Once you have turned your ELT ON, do not switch
  it off, even to save the battery as this will
  hamper rescue homing efforts.

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ELT Operating InstructionsIn an emergency (2)

• Place the ELT so it is exposed to the sky, with
  the antenna is pointed up .
• If it is cold, place the ELT under your jacket
  with the ELT antenna pointed up and outside.

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Unserviceable ELT

• If an ELT becomes unserviceable, the aircraft may
  be operated for up to 90 days provided
• ELT is removed at the first aerodrome at which
  repairs or removal can be accomplished.
• The ELT is promptly sent to a maintenance
  facility
• A placard is displayed in the cockpit stating
  that the ELT has been removed and the date of the
  removal.

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Activating the ELT

• If you have landed to wait out bad weather or for
  some other non-emergency reason and no emergency
  exists, do not activate your ELT, but notify the
  nearest ATS of your changed flight plan or
  itinerary or an unnecessary search could be
  undertaken.

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Accidental ELT Transmissions

• Always check your ELT by tuning 121.5 on your
  communication radio at the end of every flight.
• To forestall unnecessary search and rescue
  missions, all accidental ELT activations should
  be reported as soon as possible to the nearest
  ATS unit.

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Accidental ELT Transmissions (2)

• Give the location of the transmitter, the time,
  and duration of the accidental transmission.