Emergency Locator Transmitters

Airworthiness Directives; Ameri-King Corporation Emergency Locator Transmitters

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Ameri-King Corporation emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) as installed on various aircraft. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of ELT failure and a report of noncompliance to quality standards and manufacturer processes related to Ameri-King Corporation ELTs. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the ELT for discrepancies; repetitive checks, tests, and verifications, as applicable, to ensure the ELT is functioning; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also allows for optional replacement of affected ELTs and, for certain aircraft, optional removal of affected ELTs. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 24, 2017.

My Ameri-King ELT needed new batteries.  The 4 D cell batteries are $109 (for all four) and the remote battery cost $9. Any other battery that is not FAA approved is not allowed per the manuals. You can not simply use any lithium D cell battery. It was time to go shopping for a new ELT.

The Kannad Compact ELT units used in the late model SportCruisers do NOT have GPS Position sensing and data stream output reporting, and this cheaper KANNAD Compact ELT Model still relies on “old school” 406 MHz Doppler sensing position estimates from the fast moving COSPAS Satellites above. 

While the late model SportCruisers do not have any improvement - ie reduction -  in the SAR 406 MHz Doppler Search area  vs  the Ameriking AK451 121.5 / 406 MHz  ELT’s, the late Model SportCruiser KANNAD Compact ELT’s do not have the known failure modes, reliability issues, and quality control problems that come with the Ameriking ELT Brand.

Without an LOA, I had no choice but to go with the Kannad Compact ELT.

I hired CERTUS to do the installation. The removal and replacement of the actual ELT was straightforward as just a few bolts hold it down. The complicated part was installing the new remote switch in the instrument panel. The connectors were supplied but a three strand shielded wire had to be soldered to very tiny pins. Finally, the new cable had to be routed from the box behind the seat to the switch on the panel.

It works.

Completing a successful maintenance check flight.