FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B
Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices
Aircraft Inspection and Repair
AC 43.13-1B | 12. Aircraft Avionics Systems | 2. Ground Operational Checks for Avionics Equipment (Electrical) | 12-23. Flight Data Recorder
9/27/01
AC 43.13-1B CHG 1
the ELT. A TSO-C91 ELT can be activated by
using a quick rap with the palm. A TSO-C91a
ELT can be activated by using a rapid forward
(throwing) motion coupled by a rapid revers
ing action. Verify that the ELT can be acti
vated using a watt meter, the airplane’s VHF
radio communications receiver tuned to
121.5 MHz, or other means (see NOTE 1).
Insure that the “G” switch has been reset if ap
plicable.
d. For a Sufficient Signal Radiated
From its Antenna. Activate the ELT using
the ON or ELT TEST switch. A low-quality
AM broadcast radio receiver should be used to
determine if energy is being transmitted from
the antenna. When the antenna of the AM
broadcast radio receiver (tuning dial on any
setting) is held about 6 inches from the acti
vated ELT antenna, the ELT aural tone will be
heard (see NOTE 2 and 3).
e. Verify that All Switches are Properly
Labeled and Positioned.
f. Record the Inspection. Record the in
spection in the aircraft maintenance records
according to 14 CFR part 43, section 43.9. We
suggest the following:
I inspected the Make/Model ______________
ELT system in this aircraft according to appli
cable Aircraft and ELT manufacturer’s in
structions and applicable FAA guidance and
found that it meets the requirements of sec
tion 91.207(d).
Signed:
Certificate No.
Date:
______________________
______________________
______________________
NOTE 1: This is not a measured
check; it only indicates that the
G-switch is working.
NOTE 2: This is not a measured
check; but it does provide confidence
that the antenna is radiating with suf-
ficient power to aid search and rescue.
The signal may be weak even if it is
picked up by an aircraft VHF receiver
located at a considerable distance
from the radiating ELT. Therefore,
this check does not check the integrity
of the ELT system or provide the same
level of confidence as does the AM ra-
dio check.
NOTE 3: Because the ELT radiates
on the emergency frequency, the Fed-
eral Communications Commission al-
lows these tests only to be conducted
within the first five minutes after any
hour and is limited in three sweeps of
the transmitter audio modulation.
12-23. FLIGHT DATA RECORDER. The
flight data recorder is housed in a crush-proof
container located near the tail section of the
aircraft. The tape unit is fire resistant, and
contains a radio transmitter to help crash in
vestigators locate the unit under water. In-
spection/Operational checks include:
a. Check special sticker on front of the
flight data recorder for the date of the next tape
replacement, if applicable.
b. Remove recorder magazine and in
spect tape for the following:
(1) broken or torn tape,
(2) proper feed of tape, and
(3) all scribes were recording properly
for approximately the last hour of flight.
c. Conditions for tape replacement (as
applicable):
Par 12-22
Page 12-9