Preventing false alerts

Most false alerts can be avoided by using common sense and following manufacturer's installation, use and maintenance guidelines.  Be especially careful not to activate the beacon when checking battery strength or doing beacon self-testing.

In addition try to make the following part of your routine.  In the case of ELTs, tune your aircraft radio to 121.5 MHz before engine shutdown at the end of each flight and after maintenance had been performed near the beacon in order to listen if the beacon has been accidentally activated.

For EPIRBs, check periodically to make sure the beacon is secure in its mounting and the switch is properly set.

A third type of beacon, the Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB, used primarily for hiking, mountain climbing and other wilderness activities, can only be turned on manually.  With PLBs, place the beacon in a part of the backpack with the switch protected so it will not be knocked or jarred accidentally.  Ensure that it is turned off before putting it away in a safe, secure place.