Emergency Locator Transmitter


July 3, 2016

For the RV-7 we purchased an ACK-04 ELT.  It transmits on 406 as well as 121.5 MHz. and connects to Garmin G3X providing  NEMA 0183 GPS position data.  The installation manual requires the ELT be mounted parallel to the aircraft forward axis; and also recommends it be near the rear of the aircraft.  Unfortunately a rear mount would make the transmitter inaccessible to CFIT survivors.

ELT ON TUNNEL COVER

I have chosen to mount the ELT on the tunnel cover forward of the seats.  While this may increase the risk of ELT damage in a CFIT, an impact of that magnitude would likely eliminate survivors.

TUNNEL REINFORCEMENT

Another recommendation is that the mounting provide deflection stiffness so spatial movement is no more than 0.1 inch under a pressure of 100 pounds.  The pictured reinforcing channels do that.

ELT AND FUEL BOOST PUMP & FILTER

The electric fuel boost pump is mounted on a separate section of tunnel cover.  An additional cover over the pump & filter will separate them from the ELT.


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