FAA Notice: Secure Your ELT Units

March 18, 2015 – The FAA has published a notice in the Federal Register recommending voluntary changes for mounting Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) for aircraft owners who have used hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro, to mount the units in their aircraft.

In some recent accidents, ELTs secured with such fasteners have come loose on impact, severing the antenna connection and making the units ineffective. The FAA is not issuing an Airworthiness Directive or withdrawing TSO authorizations, as manufacturers have made adequate design changes for these ELT units.

The FAA recommends that aircraft owners who have ELTs secured by hook-and-loop fasteners voluntarily switch to a metal strap restraint instead.