ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC
DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
C406-2 (453-5000), C406-2HM (453-5001)
570-5000 Rev. U
Company Confidential
25-62-11
Page 57 of 66
6)
Enter the pertinent battery replacement information in the logbook (i.e., aircraft records) and fill out
any other required documentation.
TASK 25-62-11-410-803
9.
Helicopter Installations - Special Considerations
SUBTASK 25-62-11-990-001
A.
Background
1)
There are few guidelines, aside from experience, regarding the best way to mount an ELT in
helicopters.
2)
Before the availability of multi-axis G-switch modules, manufacturers advised installing ELTs with the
sensitive axis pointing approximately 45° downward from the normal forward direction of flight.
a)
This mounting attitude was adapted due to a combination of the directional sensing limitations of
a single-axis G-switch and the flight characteristics of helicopters.
b)
Mounting the ELT in this attitude and orientation is currently specified by CAR, Part 5, Subpart
551.104.
c)
Experience has indicated this mounting angle tends to preload the G-
switch and “nuisance”
activation can occur as a result of severe aircraft maneuvers, and abrupt takeoffs and landings.
3)
ACR Electronics does not recommend installing ELTs designed with a single-axis G-switch in
helicopters due the limitations and issues cited above.
SUBTASK 25-62-11-990-002
B.
Recommendations
1)
ACR Electronics recommends installation of the C406-2HM ELT in helicopters. The C406-2HM ELT is
equipped with a 5-axis G-switch module in addition to the usual primary G-switch, which is oriented
to the direction of flight. See Figure 27.
Figure 27 ELT Orthogonal Axes
2)
The six-axis coverage of the C406-2HM design accommodates the flight characteristics of helicopters,
while allowing
“normal” installation and eliminating or significantly reducing “nuisance” ELT
activations.