AIM 8/15/19  121.5 MHz or 243.0 MHz ELT’s onboard will have to depend upon either a nearby Air Traffic Control facility receiving the alert signal or an overflying aircraft monitoring 121.5 MHz or 243.0 MHz detecting the alert. To ensure adequate monitoring of these frequencies and timely alerts after 2009, all airborne pilots should periodically monitor these frequencies to try and detect an activated 121.5/243.0 MHz ELT. 1. ELTs should be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, preferably in a shielded or screened room or specially designed test container to prevent the broadcast of signals which could trigger a false alert. 2. When this cannot be done, aircraft operation- al testing is authorized as follows: (a) Analog 121.5/243 MHz ELTs should only be tested during the first 5 minutes after any hour. If operational tests must be made outside of this period, they should be coordinated with the nearest FAA Control Tower. Tests should be no longer than three audible sweeps. If the antenna is removable, a dummy load should be substituted during test procedures. (b) Digital 406 MHz ELTs should only be tested in accordance with the unit’s manufacturer’s instructions. (c) Airborne tests are not authorized. 1. Caution should be exercised to prevent the inadvertent activation of ELTs in the air or while they are being handled on the ground. Accidental or unauthorized activation will generate an emergency signal that cannot be distinguished from the real thing, leading to expensive and frustrating searches. A false ELT signal could also interfere with genuine emergency transmissions and hinder or prevent the timely location of crash sites. Frequent false alarms could also result in complacency and decrease the vigorous reaction that must be attached to all ELT signals. 2. Numerous cases of inadvertent activation have occurred as a result of aerobatics, hard landings, movement by ground crews and aircraft mainte- nance. These false alarms can be minimized by monitoring 121.5 MHz and/or 243.0 MHz as follows: (a) In flight when a receiver is available. (b) Before engine shut down at the end of each flight. (c) When the ELT is handled during installa- tion or maintenance. (d) When maintenance is being performed near the ELT. (e) When a ground crew moves the aircraft. (f) If an ELT signal is heard, turn off the aircraft’s ELT to determine if it is transmitting. If it has been activated, maintenance might be required before the unit is returned to the “ARMED” position. You should contact the nearest Air Traffic facility and notify it of the inadvertent activation. 1. Pilots are encouraged to monitor 121.5 MHz and/or 243.0 MHz while inflight to assist in identifying possible emergency ELT transmissions. On receiving a signal, report the following information to the nearest air traffic facility: (a) Your position at the time the signal was first heard. (b) Your position at the time the signal was last heard. (c) Your position at maximum signal strength. (d) Your flight altitudes and frequency on which the emergency signal was heard: 121.5 MHz or 243.0 MHz. If possible, positions should be given relative to a navigation aid. If the aircraft has homing equipment, provide the bearing to the emergency signal with each reported position. a. The FAA’s Office of Civil Aviation Security Operations manages the FAA K − 9 Explosives Detection Team Program which was established in 1972. Through a unique agreement with law enforcement agencies and airport authorities, the FAA has strategically placed FAA − certified K − 9 teams (a team is one handler and one dog) at airports throughout the country. If a bomb threat is received 6 − 2 − 5. FAA K − 9 Explosives Detection Team Program c. False Alarms. b. Testing. d. Inflight Monitoring and Reporting. Emergency Services Available to Pilots 6 − 2 − 3