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) | 12-10. Communication Systems
AC 43.13-1B CHG 1
9/27/01
(6)
antenna
(7)
(8)
missing or poor sealant at base of
correct installation
signs of corrosion, and
(2) assurance that one inch of the inner
braid of flexible vinyl cover wicks extends be
yond the vinyl covering,
(3) assurance that all dischargers are
present and securely mounted to their base,
(9) the condition of paint/bonding and
grounding.
(10) Check the bonding of each antenna
from mounting base to the aircraft skin. Tol
erance: .1 ohm, maximum.
(a) Test Equipment:
1 1502B Metallic Time Domain
Reflectometer or equivalent.
2 Thruline Wattmeter.
(b) Perform the antenna evaluation
check using the domain reflectometer to de
termine the condition of the antenna and coax
cables. Refer to manufacturer’s maintenance
procedures.
(c) Use thruline wattmeter as needed
for addition evaluation. Refer to manufac
turer’s maintenance procedures. Check for the
following:
(4) assurance that all bases are securely
bonded to skin of aircraft in order to prevent
the existence in voltage level differences be
tween two surfaces,
(5) signs of excessive erosion or dete
rioration of discharger tip,
(6) lighting damage as evidenced by
pitting of the metal base, and
(7) megohm value of static wick itself
as per manufacturer’s instructions. It should
not be open.
d. Subsequent inspection must be made
after a maintenance action on a transponder.
Refer to Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, sections 91.411
and 91.413.
e. Inspection of the emergency locator
transmitter operation, condition and date of
the battery.
1 Resistance.
2 Shorts.
3 Opens.
c. Inspect the static dischargers/wicks
for:
(1) physical security of mounting at
tachments, wear or abrasion of wicks, missing
wicks, etc.,
f. Perform a function check of the radio
by transmitting a request for a radio check.
Perform a function check on navigation
equipment by moving the omni bearing selec
tion (OBS) and noting the needle swing and
the TO/FROM flag movement.
12-10. COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.
Ground operation of communication systems
in aircraft may be accomplished in accordance
with the procedures appropriate for the airport
and area in which the test is made and the
manufacturer’s manuals and procedures.
Check system(s) for side tone, clarity of
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