During a recent trip south, we took our 406 ACK Emergency Locator Transmitter for recertification and installation of a new battery. To our surprise, on the return trip, a diligent security official decided to verify that the unit didn’t exceed the maximum allowable watt-hour (Wh) rating for a battery in carry-on baggage. According to CATSA guidelines for transport of lithium batteries, any lithium battery over 160 Wh cannot be carried on board an aircraft. The Wh rating of a battery is calculated as its voltage multiplied by its amp-hour (Ah) rating. Since neither rating was specified on our unit, the security official had to "perform a calculation". After examining the label on our unit and doing some math on scrap paper, he determined its Wh rating to be 170 Wh, and announced that we must leave security and somehow place the ELT in our checked baggage. Motivated by extreme reluctance to be separated from our ELT and its expensive new battery, we questioned the "calculation". It turned out that the security official had scanned the label for any number that might relate to amperage, finding only TSO C-142a, which he then creatively multiplied by the voltage of the unit. After explaining that a TSO number is not an electrical rating, we were able to quickly Google the installation/operating manual for our ELT and convince the official that its Ah rating was only 7.75 Ah. The correct Wh calculation therefore yielded 93 Wh, so the official graciously apologized for the confusion and allowed us to carry the ELT on board. The moral of this story is to know your ELT. Better yet, travel armed with its specification sheet which clearly indicates the size of its battery. |
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Since the weather forecast for tomorrow calls for possible showers and winds not favourable for the location, the NWTFA Fly-Out Beach Day has been cancelled. Thanks to everyone who responded to the RSVP. We'll plan a similar event for next summer!
NWTFA has just learned that YZF airport management has changed its process for arranging escort of floatplanes between the airport property and Long Lake. YZF airport management is now requiring that paperwork be completed and the escort fee paid at its office in the terminal before fire hall personnel provide escort services. The new process is causing delay and considerable frustration to pilots who are following the established procedures for floatplane launching at Long Lake.
This change was made unilaterally without notice to NWTFA or aircraft owners. NWTFA has submitted written protest to the GNWT Department of Infrastructure requesting that the escort fee be discontinued immediately, refunds be issued for any fees already paid, and the fee not levied again unless properly authorized.
One of the many objectives of NWTFA/COPA 108 is to introduce youth to general aviation and the joys of flight. We were recently excited to hear that members of a STEM Club were learning about aviation and found our website to be a helpful resource! They suggested that information about the Wright Brothers would be an interesting addition to our website. The Wright Brothers are credited with invention and flight of the world's first motor-operated airplane. To learn more about their accomplishments and contributions to aviation, visit the Wright Brothers Aeroplane Co., which is a virtual museum dedicated to pioneer aviation.
Thanks to 11-year-old Dakota from the Lyndhurst STEM Club for reaching out to NWTFA with her appreciation and suggestion for our website. We hope to see her flying someday! NWTFA branded items are now available for purchase online. Our ball caps and T-shirts feature the NWTFA logo and make the perfect gift for any floatplane pilot or general aviation enthusiast. These items are very popular with both local and visiting pilots.
Ball caps are available in two colors and T-shirts are available in a variety of sizes. Caps are embroidered with the NWTFA logo and are available in a natural canvas color with either navy blue or forest green brims. T-shirts are silkscreened with the NWTFA logo and are available in heather grey only. Both ball caps and T-shirts are in limited supply so order soon! Flat rate shipping through Canada Post applies to orders from Canada and the United States. Free local pick-up can be arranged in Yellowknife only.
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