QUESTION: What is underwater locator beacon (ULB) test equipment used for?
ANSWER: The purpose of ULB Test Equipment is to ensure that the Underwater Locator Beacons that are attached to the Aircraft's Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) function properly. The test equipment will allow Maintenance Technicians to verify whether or not the beacons are transmitting their required Acoustic Signal.
QUESTION: How does a ULB tester work?
ANSWER: A technician uses a ULB testing device to detect the sound of the pulse that comes from the underwater locator beacon. Technicians are able to check whether the pulse was detected, what frequency it operates at and many other aspects of the signal using different types of test equipment. This allows technicians to determine if the underwater locator beacon is functioning correctly.
QUESTION: What frequencies are used by underwater locator beacons?
ANSWER: Maintenance Technicians will need to utilize testing equipment that matches the operating frequency of the beacon and model. While most aircraft underwater locator beacons operate on 37.5 kHz, there are some low frequency underwater locator devices that operate on 8.8 kHz.
QUESTION: What ULB testing equipment does AvionTEq offer?
ANSWER: AvionTEq has available for purchase ULB test equipment manufactured by Dukane, Novega, and ULBTEq. Products currently offered by AvionTEq include the Dukane TS500 and TS200, Novega Ulyser, and ULBTEq UTS100 ULB test equipment for use in underwater locator beacon testing.
QUESTION: How often should underwater locator beacons be tested?
ANSWER: ULB check-up and testing time frames depend on the beacon manufacturer's recommendations, aircraft maintenance schedule, and applicable regulations. Regular inspections assist in verifying beacon functionality, battery status, and availability for emergency situations.
QUESTION: Where can I purchase or rent ULB test equipment?
ANSWER: AvionTEq has underwater locator beacon testing equipment available for either purchase or lease depending upon availability. Customers may ask about new/refurbished units, pricing, repairs/calibrations/trade-ins on all supported equipment models.