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SB: ELT Antenna Cracking (SB-021425-A)

ICON has received reports of cracked or broken ELT antennas. Damage may be isolated to the base of the antenna or may result in departure of a portion of the antenna whip, which may cause damage to the propeller and/or fuselage. Additionally, damage or loss of the whip may inhibit emergency location transmission.

ICON has identified a suitable replacement antenna, the RAMI AV-300 Rod Antenna. It is recommended to install this antenna at the next suitable service opportunity, but no later than the identification of any sign of damage. Until the antenna is replaced, regular inspections are required to support informed decision-making.

https://www.iconaircraft.com/wp-cont...a-Cracking.pdf

S/N: 00001, 00003-00224

TIME OF COMPLIANCE:
Initial Inspection: Within 40 flight hours, or at next condition (100-hr/annual) inspection, whichever comes first.
Recurring Inspection: At each condition inspection, until repair is completed.

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At about 250 hours, my ELT antenna (the wire part) departed the fix and left a small divot in the left sea wing and on a blade of the propeller. Only cosmetic dings. Easily remedied with paint dabs. I treated the intersection between the wire whip part of the antenna and the plastic base with Corrosion X as a preventative. I am now at 360 hours with no signs of a "loose" wire element of the antenna. Non-the-less, I plan to replace the current antenna with the recommended replacement at my next MX interval.

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Has anyone had any luck getting the new parts for this SB from Icon?

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Well, no replies - so I'll pass on to everyone that be forewarned that if you order from allavionics.com there is a good chance you will be told that they have the antenna in stock and will ship within 24 hours. Weeks later you will still be waiting for it to even be shipped. They will call with all sorts of excuses - promising to ship immediately as they NOW have it in stock. In the end you'll likely be forced to dispute the credit card charges to get your money back - as I did.

But on a lighter note - Icon is now shipping the ground planes needed for the installation of the newer antenna.

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Thanks for the heads up and update Michael. Sucks that you had to go through all that.