New ELT

[stackj]

Goodbye Sharc-7, Hello Ameri-King AK-450

Anyone out there have the AK-450 installed in a Skymaster or O-2?

I have a new AK-450 to install during my upcoming annual and would like suggestions or copies of form 337 relating to Skymaster installations for this unit.

[stackj]

I'm still looking for info on ELT installations in the Skymaster. My old Sharc-7 was attached to the left interior wall with sheet metal screws. I don't think that's the way Uncle FAA likes them.

Could anyone please share with me information on where yours is installed. I am trying to make sure this installation meets all FAA requirements and hopefully will be in a position where rear engine intrusion would not destroy it.

I thought about putting it in one of the tail booms, but it is a real pain to get wiring back to the panel for the remote controls.

I'd appreciate any information you have about your ELT installation.

Cheers

[kevin]

Mine is installed above the headliner in the rear cabin area on my '73 P337, with a remote panel in the left panel where the pilot's ash tray used to be. I don't know what brand I have, but can find out if you want, the airplane is in annual right now, so the interior is out.

Kevin

[stackj]

I just wanted to find out where some of the ELTs are located. It looks to me like the area you describe is pretty much the only place available. I like where you put the remote unit, although I think I covered the ashtray area several years ago when I replaced the interior.

Thanks for the response.

Jim

[FRED-E]

Mine is also located above the headliner on the pilot side of the flap assy. 67 337B, it is a Narco ELT 10 and my remote test switch is overhead just aft of the fuel selector. It was installed in 1975 and I have never had an occasion to use it (thank god).

[stackj]

Thanks for the info, Fred.

I hope you have wasted your money on an ELT and NEVER have to use it!!!

[Francisco]

I'm too instaling the same ELT as you I will put it where the old one was above the baggage door behind the rear right side window. I will run the cable ither overhead or behind the upolstery on the left side

Francisco

[rick bell]

in my riems p73 it is located in the left tail boom(piloot side)

[stackj]

Thank you for your responses. I have decided to mount it on the Flap motor support rail. This allowed me to only drill four holes in the sheet metal pan under the motoe and still get a solid mount by using an existing mounting screw. I like not having to drill into support members on the airplane.

Now I only have to figure out where to mount the antenna. They recommend at least three feet between any comm antenna and the ELT antenna. I don't think that is possible on a Skymaster with two comms.

I expect I'll end up with about two feet between it and the comm antenna.

Thanks again for your suggestions!

Jim

[Francisco]

I just finishe installing the new Ameriking 240 on my 336. Right above the cargo door, I need to find what type cable do I need for the remote swich.

Can someone tell me Please


Francisco

[Guy Paris]

Hey guys, I don't have a remote switch for the ELT. Is it the feeling that it is something we should have? Guy, old72driver...

[kevin]

Personally, I don't find any real value in the remote control for the ELTs. It is kind of nice to be able to see a light flashing if you ELT is activated, I suppose.

So why do I have one of the new ones? Here's the way I understand it, perhaps others will correct me if I have it wrong.

If your ELT fails, and you cannot find an exact part number replacement for it, any new ELT installation made must comply with the new standards, which include the remote panel. So, replace the ELT, you get the remote control, whether you want it or not.

Also, if your old style ELT battery fails, you may find it costs a significant percentage of the total cost of a new ELT just to replace your battery. Many of the new ELTs use standard D cell batterys, which you can replace yourself. So, when faced with a big battery expense for an ELT that is no longer maintainable, and considering the new ELTs do have less problems with inadvertant activation, and work better in general, well, it is easy to convince yourself that buying a new ELT (with the remote control, whether you want it or not), is the best idea. This was the case for me a couple of years ago.

Bottom line, there is a remote control in your future sooner or later. Would I change ELTs just to get the panel? My opinion: no way.

kevin

Reference: Article on ELTs on AvionicsWest site: http://www.avionicswest.com/articles/eltupdate.htm

[Guy Paris]

Thanks kevin, interesting.... Guy, old72driver

[FRED-E]

The reason I think a remote test swt is a good idea. While doing an annual on an aircraft I find the ELT turned off from the last annual or it has a new battery installed but the unit doesn't work because of corrosion or broken wire. When I am flying long distances I like to know the ELT is working, before taxi, set the radio to 121.5, flip the remote swt, the radio screams at you, and all is well !!!!!
Just a thought
Fred N358

[kevin]

You are only allowed to do that during the first five minutes of each hour, right?

Kevin