Regarding the life of the batteries used in the AKC brand ELT transmitters. The FAA considers the batteries serviceable for only half of their shelf life, or if the ELT has been used cumulatively for one hour or more.
Reference FAR 91.207( c ) ( 2 ):
(1) When the transmitter has been in use for more than 1 cumulative hour; or
(2) When 50 percent of their useful life (or, for rechargeable batteries, 50 percent of their useful life of charge) has expired, as established by the transmitter manufacturer under its approval.
For example, if the manufacturing date of the battery is 2003, and the battery expiration date is 2011 (8 years), then the service life of the batteries would be to 2007. A four year shelf life is still a lot better than mine (2 years at about $25), plus you can use the batteries after removal from the ELT.
Has anyone found a use for the old ELT battery packs?
