A320 Emergency Location Transmitter

AIRBUSA319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) AIRBUS INTIAL ISSUE - MAY 2008 A319/A320/A321 REVISION 1 - MAY 2008 EMERGENCY INTIAL ISSUE - MAY LOCATOR 2008 REVISION 1 - MAY 2008 This document, compiled by Royal Brunei Technical Training, is used with instructor guidance as the course material for the stipulated training purpose. Once issued, its contents will not be updated and under no circumstances shall it be used as a reference for aircraft maintenance or operational activities. This document or part of it shall not be copied or reproduced in any form without permission from Royal Brunei Airlines Sdn Bhd. © 2008 - Royal Brunei Airlines This document, compiled by Royal Brunei Technical Training, is used with instructor guidance as the course material for the stipulated training purpose. Once issued, its contents will not be updated and under no circumstances shall it be used as a reference for aircraft maintenance or operational activities. This document or part of it shall not be copied or reproduced in any form without permission from Royal Brunei Airlines Sdn Bhd. © 2008 - Royal Brunei Airlines This document, compiled by Royal Brunei Technical Training, is used ...................... 6 COMPONENTS ........................................................................... 11 REMOTE CONTROL PANEL (11MX) .............................................................. 1 PURPOSE ...................................................... 12 CONTROLS AND INDICATIONS ON ELT ......... 10 ANTENNA (112MX)............................................ 8 ELECTRICAL INTERFACE .............................................................................................................................................. 4 PROGRAMMING DONGLE .................................................... 5 MAINTENANCE DONGLE .................................. 16 REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 i ....................................................................................................... 13 CONTROLS AND INDICATIONS ON RCP ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 TRANSMISSION FREQUENCIES .................. 5 2......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 REVIEW QUESTIONS . 11 OPERATION .................................................... A320 FAMILY – PORTABLE ELT ..................................................................... 2 OPERATION .... 9 ADPTER CABLE (141MX) ................................................................................................... 16 REFERENCES ........................................................................ 7 ELT................................................................................................................................... 4 TESTING............................................................................................................................... ELT FUNDAMENTALS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) TABLE OF CONTENTS TOPIC PAGE 1.................................................................................................................... 2 COSPAS-SARSAT ............................................................................................................................ 10 MAINTENANCE DONGLE .................................................. 3 406MHZ TRANSMISSION PRECAUTIONS ................. 14 3..................... A320 FAMILY – FIXED ELT ......................................... AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) This page is intentionally left blank. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 ii . AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) 1. ELT FUNDAMENTALS REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 1 . The first transmission starts after 50 seconds. a satellite based search and rescue system has made it possible to give a unique identity to a user and to locate the person geographically in the event of a transmission. The distress signal transmits continuously with an output power of 100 mW on each frequency. The digital signal is a message of 122 bits (aircraft identification) transmitted every 50 seconds for 440 msec.5/243 MHz transmitter transmits a "sweep" distress signal for more than 48 hours. COSPAS-SARSAT. The 121. The 406 MHz transmitter transmits a digital signal for 24 hours. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 2 . This signal is used by search-and-rescue teams to reach the distressed. The ELT system transmits on 3 frequencies:  121. Auto-activation is usually with a water-activated switch or a g-switch. A g-switch is activated by the high impact forces created in an aircraft crash. The ELT is powered by batteries for independent operation.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) PURPOSE TRANSMISSION FREQUENCIES The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) is activated to emit distress signals on emergency frequencies.5 MHz (Civil)  243 MHz (Military)  406 MHz (COSPAS-SARSAT) OPERATION AN ELT is activated manually or automatically. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 3 . COSPAS-SARSAT uses a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites which relay the 121.8 km (5900. The modulation is an audio frequency sweeping downwards from 1420 Hz to 490 Hz with a repetition rate of 4 Hz. a signal is transmitted on 406 MHz every 50 seconds to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellites. when the LUT is in range. The output power on 406 MHz is near 5W i.5 MHz and 243 MHz signals are used to find the aircraft in the final stage of SAR operation. the COSPAS-SARSAT system provides satellite aid to search and rescue (SAR) operations for maritime. Russia. The output power is 100 mW on each frequency.00 NM). The processed data is transmitted to a Mission Control Centre (MCC).5 and 243 MHz.5 / 243 signals and less than 2 NM with 406 signals. The MCC sends the data to an applicable Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC). the transmitter operates continuously on 121. France. The 121. Once activated.e.). The LUT receiving range is a radius of approximately 2. and the USA). the satellite system stores the distress signal until transmission is possible.500 km (1367.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) COSPAS-SARSAT Launched in the early eighties by the four founder countries (Canada. where Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are started.00 ft. The satellite system transmits the 406 MHz distress signal to a Local User Terminal (LUT).5 / 243 MHz signals and process the 406 MHz signal to ground stations (LUT) where the beacon positions are determined with a precision of 10 NM with 121. aeronautical and terrestrial vehicles anywhere in the world. The AM modulation factor is over 85%. 50 times more powerful than the VHF signal. When the LUT is not in receiving range. During the first 24 hours of operation. The LUT automatically processes the distress signal to identify and show the position of the aircraft to a radius of approximately 1. Phase modulation at 400 bps enables transmission of all the relevant identification information to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellites in less than half a second. and should only be used in accordance with the beacon manufacturer's guidance. COSPAS-SARSAT Mission Control Centre that services the location in which the test is planned. document C/S A. no further radio contact will be necessary. it will use some of the beacon's limited battery power. beacon owners should be aware that authorization to activate a beacon for testing will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.001. if it is reset within this delay. contact the nearest COSPAS-SARSAT MCC as soon as possible. TESTING Any test transmission of an ELT must be conducted only during the first 5 minutes of any UTC hour and restricted in duration to not more than 5 seconds. Therefore. Reception of the swept tone is confirmation that the transmission is active. Annex II/A . There are currently 430. The contact details for COSPAS-SARSAT MCCs throughout the world are published in the COSPAS-SARSAT Data Distribution Plan. Activating a beacon for reasons other than to indicate a distress situation or without the prior authorization from a COSPAS-SARSAT MCC is considered an offence in many countries of the world. During testing the aircraft VHF radio is tuned to 121. and could result in prosecution. coupled with the effort and resources required to coordinate a live beacon test.000 COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz distress beacons in operation. Requests to conduct a live beacon test should be directed to the REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 4 . Initiating the beacon self-test function will not generate a distress alert in the COSPAS-SARSAT System. 406 MHz beacons should not be activated except in real distress situations or unless special prior arrangements have been made with the COSPASSARSAT Mission Control Centre (MCC) that services your region.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) 406MHZ TRANSMISSION PRECAUTIONS Activating a 406 MHz beacon will generate a COSPAS-SARSAT distress alert message that will be relayed to Search and Rescue Services for their immediate action. As 406 MHz transmission is effective 50 seconds after the ELT activation. If you inadvertently activate the beacon in its operational mode. 406 MHz beacons are designed with a self-test capability for evaluating key performance characteristics.which can be downloaded free of charge. However. In view of the number of beacons in service.5 MHz. AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) PROGRAMMING DONGLE MAINTENANCE DONGLE Aircraft identification is programmed in the ELT using a programming dongle. Programming dongle The programming dongle remains on board the aircraft. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 5 . connected to the programming dongle. Any accidental transmission with this maintenance dongle will not initiate SAR operation as the identification code transmitted is recognized by COSPAS-SARSAT as "not on board". When an unprogrammed ELT is installed. it keeps its identification data. it is possible to delete the identification information of the ELT by connecting a maintenance dongle to the ELT. When the ELT is removed from the aircraft. it automatically updates its own memory with the identification data contained in the programming dongle memory. For maintenance purposes. and is switched to "ARM". AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) 2. A320 FAMILY – FIXED ELT REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 6 . REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 7 .  An adapter cable (141MX) and programming-dongle connector (110MX-A).AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) COMPONENTS The ELT system has:  An ELT (110MX).  An antenna (112MX).  A Mounting bracket (140MX).  A remote-control panel (RCP) (111MX). AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) ELT The ELT is installed in a bracket. it will spring quickly back to a straight position.  A three cell battery-pack. The bracket is installed above a ceiling panel 261BC in the AFT utility area. when the ELT is installed in the aircraft. The casing has two parts (base plate and housing) that are attached together by screws. Strap.  An electronic board. Instruction. The antenna is folded back on itself and kept in loops on the straps. The bottom face of the base plate has three locking pins. and covered by a heat-shrink sheath. The housing is divided into two compartments by a partition. and together with the antenna is used in portable mode. The antenna is attached to the housing by a stainless-steel cord. The electronic board is installed in the front half (flight direction) by screws and washers. Type and Battery). with a hole for the electrical cable connection between the batterypacks and the electronic board. with the interface in flight direction.  A two cell battery-pack. The has an aluminium-alloy casing which is orange-coloured. When you remove the antenna. held in position with two buckles and straps.  An auxiliary-antenna (referred to as antenna). The base plate is divided into two compartments by a partition. The tether is attached to a strap. The bracket has three location holes. The rear half has a foam wedge to prevent damage to the battery-packs. The battery-packs are installed in the rear half on a foam wedge.  An interface. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 8 . and includes these components:  Placards attached to the casing (Identification. The front half (flight direction) has the electrical cables that connect the interface to the electronic board.  A tether. two straps and placards (Identification and Flight direction). washers and an O-ring. the ELT is connected to the antenna fixed on the fuselage.  An ON/OFF/ARMED switch..  An ANT connector. For transmission on board.  Maintenance-dongle.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) ELECTRICAL INTERFACE The interface. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 9 .  Programming and test equipment. the auxiliary antenna can be connected to the same connector for using the ELT in portable mode. on the front face of the housing includes  An RCP connector.  An adapter cable (141MX) and programming-dongle connector (110MX-A) (if installed). The RCP connector is used to connect:  An RCP. Alternatively.  A RED indicator. 87 in. It transmits three-frequency omni-directional signals when the ELT operates. and set the ELT ON/OFF/ARM switch to the ARM position. The connector at the other end of the adapter cable is connected to the connector from the RCP.) long. which is installed above the ceiling panel 261BC in the AFT utility area. The ELT is installed in the bracket and the programming-dongle connector is connected directly to the ELT RCP connector.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) ADPTER CABLE (141MX) ANTENNA (112MX) The programming-dongle programs the ELT with the aircraft identification and country code. The ELT memory is automatically updated with the data stored in the programming-dongle memory. The adapter cable is attached to the bracket. The adapter cable is approximately 200 mm (7. The antenna is installed on the upper external fuselage between FR64 and FR65 and held in position with six screws. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 10 . connect the programming-dongle to the RCP connector on the ELT through the adapter cable (141MX). To programme the ELT. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 11 . which is necessary in portable mode. To enable the RCP control. The ELT can be controlled from the Remote Control Panel (RCP) located on the overhead panel in the cockpit.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) MAINTENANCE DONGLE REMOTE CONTROL PANEL (11MX) The maintenance-dongle has a maintenance identification data (ID) code programmed in its memory. and SAR operations are not started. the ON/OFF/ARM switch on the must be in the ARM position. the removed ELT keeps its ID. A RED "Remove before flight" streamer is attached to the maintenance-dongle. you must program the removed ELT with the maintenance-dongle. the signal will be ignored by the satellite system. If you accidentally operate an ELT with a maintenance ID. To prevent two ELTs with the same ID. When you replace the ELT. 00 deg F) in automatic or manual operation. and the 2 cell battery-pack supplies power to the G-switch. The 3 cell battery-pack supplies power to the electronic board which includes the G-switch. You must remove the antenna carefully from the loops on the straps. In portable mode you connect the antenna to the ANT connection on the ELT.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) OPERATION The ELT transmits distress signals. The transmission starts immediately after the BITE test sequence is completed. When you use the ELT in portable mode it is operated manually. The first transmission starts after 50 seconds.0 deg C (-4. and the Gswitch detects an impact sufficient to start transmission. or used in portable mode. In an emergency over water you remove the tether from the strap and attach it to a life raft. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 12 . removed from the aircraft and used in portable mode. or used in portable mode. it can be operated automatically or manually. The 121. When the ELT is installed.00 deg F) in automatic or manual operation. injured passengers/crew members). AUTOMATIC OPERATION When the ELT is connected to its system in the aircraft. but a signal must be transmitted (aircraft out of operation. because it is folded.  When the ELT is connected to its system in the aircraft and you do a self-test (BITE).5/243 MHz transmitter transmits a "sweep" distress signal for more than 48 hours at -20. installed in the aircraft.0 deg C (-4. The digital signal is a message of 122 bits (aircraft identification) transmitted every 50 seconds for 440 msec. ACCIDENTAL OPERATION  When the ELT is connected to its system in the aircraft. installed in the aircraft. and will spring quickly back to a straight position.  When the ELT is disconnected from its system. and the G-switch starts transmission without a real emergency (hard landing). MANUAL OPERATION  When the ELT is connected to its system in the aircraft and the G-switch is not triggered. The 406 MHz transmitter transmits a digital signal for 24 hours at 20. The two battery-packs supply the power to operate the ELT. The distress signal transmits continuously with an output power of 100 mW on each frequency. When the ELT operates:  The RED indicator flashes two times per second during 121.  The buzzer sounds two beeps per second during 121. or is parked for a long time.  To stop transmission. or to indicate the BITE test result. When you set the ON/OFF/ARM switch to the ARM position from the OFF position the BITE test operates automatically.5 MHz /243 MHz transmission and is silent during 406 MHz transmission. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 13 . the BITE test operates automatically before transmission starts. Set to the OFF position:  When the ELT is connected to its system in the aircraft and requires maintenance. The RED indicator and buzzer operate when the ELT operates.  Short pulses indicate test failure. When you set the ON/OFF/ARM switch to the ON position. Set to the ARM position for automatic operation of the ELT. When the ELT is tested:  The RED indicator comes once at the beginning and after three seconds for a 3 second duration.5 MHz/243 MHz transmission and one long flash during 406 MHz transmission.  When the ELT is disconnected from its system and removed from the aircraft.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) CONTROLS AND INDICATIONS ON ELT The ON/OFF/ARM switch has these functions: Set to the ON position for manual operation of the ELT. 5 MHz . or to do a BITE test. ELT indicator light (113MX) illuminates. one long flash during 406 MHz transmission.243 MHz transmission  And.  Note: During testing. or to indicate the BITE test result. REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 14 . which is part of the switch assembly. the ground horn sounds and on 108 VU panel. and then set it to the ON position.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) CONTROLS AND INDICATIONS ON RCP The ON-ARMED-TEST/RESET switch:  Is set to the ARMED position for automatic operation of the ELT. The ON/TEST indicator comes on when the ELT operates. When the ELT operates the ON/TEST indicator:  Flashes two times per second during 121.  Is set to the ON position for manual operation of the ELT. The switch goes back automatically to the ARMED position after you have set it to the TEST/RESET position. You must pull the switch to clear the stop. The switch is kept in the ARMED position by a stop.  Is set to the TEST/RESET position to stop accidental operation. A320 FAMILY – PORTABLE ELT (Refer supplementary notes) REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 15 .AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) 3. (a) 121. a series of short red flashes indicates (a) Test fail (b) Test Pass (c) 406 MHz transmission REVISION 1 – MAY 2008 16 .org (b) 406 MHz signals  AMM Chapter 25-65 (c) Both (a) and (b)  CANNAD 406 technical documentation If an on-board ELT is accidentally activated for 40 seconds before it is noticed and turned off. For further information. COSPAS-SARSAT satellites can receive: (a) 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz signals  www.cospas-sarsat. read: 2. During testing.5 MHz and 243 MHz signals have been transmitted (b) 406 MHz signals have been transmitted (c) Both (a) and (b) 3.AIRBUS A319/A320/A321 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) REVIEW QUESTIONS REFERENCES 1. What CANNOT you do on the Remote control Panel (RCP) in the cockpit? (a) Activation of transmission (b) Test (c) Programming aircraft identification 4.