Attention:
All Aircraft Owners, Operators and Maintainers
| File Classification No.: | Z 5000-35 |
|---|---|
| RDIMS No.: | 16442310 |
| Document No.: | CASA 2020-05 |
| Issue No.: | 01 |
| Effective Date: | 2020-04-22 |
Purpose:
The purpose of this Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) is to inform industry of the importance of inspecting ELTs and their installation in aircraft.
Background:
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has identified that certain ELT models have failed to activate due to improper installation and/or defects with the ELT itself.
For example, TSB report A11W0151 identified that the installed ELT came out of its mounting as a result of the accident. TCCA subsequently published an Aviation Safety Letter (ASL) article in Issue 2/2013 on the importance of proper installation of ELTs specifically those utilizing a hook and loop fastener.
Recently, the TSB Air Safety Advisory A19Q0109-D1-A1 identified that an ELT locking toggle switch had been broken which resulted in the ELT switch not being able to remain in locked in the ARM position and as a result was found in the OFF position and not activating as designed.
Recommended action:
When performing the required aircraft inspection (12 month or approved check cycle), the installed ELT is to be inspected for condition and security which includes verifying proper installation and identify any apparent defects and unsatisfactory arming of the ELT based on the ELT manufacturer recommendations or the applicable Instructions for Continued Airworthiness.
As part of the required ELT performance test in Appendix G of Standard 571, the ELT shall be inspected to determine its condition. This includes the inspection of parts such as the ELT toggle switch.
If any defects are found in either inspection, an appropriate repair must be completed.
Please consult Advisory Circular (AC) 571-025 on ELT maintenance for further information and guidance.
Any person who discovers a service difficulty that affects or that, if not corrected, is likely to affect the safety of an aircraft, its occupants or any other person, shall submit to Transport Canada Civil Aviation a service difficulty report (SDR) via the Web Service Difficulty Reporting System (WSDRS) at:
https://tcapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/cawis-swimn/wsdrs_h.aspx?lang=eng
Contact office:
For more information concerning this issue, contact a Transport Canada Centre; or Jeffrey Phipps; Chief, Operational Airworthiness (AARTM), Standards Branch in Ottawa or by e-mail at jeff.phipps@tc.gc.ca.
Original signed by
Robert Sincennes
Director
Standards branch
The Transport Canada Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) is used to convey important safety information and contains recommended action items. The CASA strives to assist the aviation industry's efforts to provide a service with the highest possible degree of safety. The information contained herein is often critical and must be conveyed to the appropriate office in a timely manner. The CASA may be changed or amended should new information become available.
Inspection of Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
(PDF, 447 KB)