389 / 476
379
5 – d i s tress beacons
testing
TESTING
All Cospas-Sarsat type approved 406MHz beacons include a self-test
modeof operation.
All 406MHz distress beacons can be tested at any time using the self-test
functionswithout any notification toRCCAustralia.
The self-test function performs an internal check and indicates that RFpower
is beingemitted at 406MHz and at 121.5MHz, if applicable. The beaconwill
provide an indication of the success or failure of aGNSS self-test.
The self-testmode signal is not processed by the satelliteequipment.
Aircraft cockpit remoteactivation switches andoperational testingby
aircraftmaintenance facilities.
Whilst a functional test of a beacon can be performed via thebeacon’s
self-test capability the use of the remote aircraft cockpit activation switches
results in an operational activation of theELT. Remote cockpit activations are
performed on initial installation and during ongoingmaintenance of theELT.
In order to complywith theseELTmaintenance requirements, operational
testing of a 406MHz ELT from the cockpit of an aircraftmay be undertaken
bymaintenance facilities, provided the test duration is no longer than5
seconds and is undertakenwithin the first 5minutes of the hour. RCC
Australia
(Telephone 1800 641 792)
and theAir Traffic Services (ATS) Centre
for the location of the testmust be advised of this operational test.
The test durationmust be restricted to5 seconds so that there is no
potential for an operationally coded 406MHz digital burst transmitting and
thus generating a false alert. The duration of the121.5/243MHz homing
transmission, whichwill also be activated as part of this test,must also be
restricted so as not to generate false alerts viaATS.