All 406MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) beacons, including those ELTs with a panel mounted remote switch that is self-powered by an internal battery.
All 406MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) beacons, including those ELTs with a panel mounted remote switch that is self-powered by an internal battery.
This Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) is issued to remind aircraft operators and maintenance providers that ELT batteries must be replaced by no later than the battery expiry date specified on the ELT battery data label.
Some aircraft are fitted with a panel mounted ELT remote switch that is self-powered by an internal battery. Replacement of this battery can easily be overlooked.
ELTs are fitted with a life limited battery pack and ELT performance can be compromised after the battery expiry date.
Some panel mounted ELT remote switches are self-powered by an internal battery. While the due date for replacement of the ELT battery will normally be recorded in the aircraft logbooks, the remote battery is an item that could easily be overlooked. To complicate the issue, some replacement intervals are 5-yearly, and others 1-yearly, usually depending on the type of battery fitted (alkaline or lithium respectively).
ELT battery replacement must be carried out by no later than the battery expiry date specified on the ELT battery data label in accordance with applicable manufacturer’s requirements and the CAA Rules.
If the aircraft is fitted with a panel mounted ELT remote switch that is self-powered by an internal battery, then replace the remote switch battery per the applicable manufacturer’s requirements, and record the battery expiry date in the aircraft logbook.
ELTs known to be affected are the Artex ME406 series with the remote switch P/N 455-0023, and the AmeriKing 451.
CAA Rule requirements regarding ELT battery replacement is provided in CAN 23-001 titled ‘406MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) – Battery Replacement’. This CAN is available on the CAA web site at https://www.aviation.govt.nz/aircraft/airworthiness/airworthiness-directives/continuing-airworthiness-notices/show/23-001
Instructions for Kannad ELT battery replacement is provided in McMurdo Service Letter S18XX50X-25-03, dated 10 February 2016. This Service Letter can be obtained from the McMurdo web site at http://www.mcmurdogroup.com/contact/support/aviation-products/(external link)
Instructions for Artex ELT battery replacement is provided by ACR Electronics (Artex) on their web site at https://www.acrartex.com/(external link)
