ELT Antenna placement

27 Feb 2005 ELT Antenna placement

Finding the right place for an ELT antenna on an RV8 is not easy, since the canopy slides back over the entire length of the fuselage right up to the Vertical Stabilizer. This means that the common location, just in front of the VS, is not available.

Van’s recommends installing it on the rear bulkhead just under the VS, assuming that since this area is only covered by fiberglass, the ELT antenna signal will get out. The antenna that was sent with my Ameriking antenna was too long, so I have heard that a “rubber ducky” type antenna is an adequate replacement. Finding one took some time, but I found one at Aircraft Spruce, part number FA-B01AR.

Here is a photo of the installation:

I have not yet tested it, so I can’t say that this is a great location. Another place I’ve seen it installed is just to the right of the seat brace, between the front and rear seats.