uAvionix tailBeacon STC User manual

UAV-1002513-001
Rev A
tailBeaconTM STC
Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness and
Maintenance Manual

UAV-1002513-001 2
Rev A
© 2019 uAvionix Corporation. All rights reserved.
uAvionix Corporation
300 Pine Needle Lane
Bigfork, MT 59911
http://www.uavionix.com
support@uavionix.com
Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this guide may be
reproduced, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any
storage medium, for any purpose without the express written permission of
uAvionix. uAvionix grants permissions to download a single copy of this
guide onto an electronic storage medium to be viewed for personal use,
provided that the complete text of this copyright notice is retained.
Unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto
is strictly prohibited.
uAvionix®and Ping®are registered trademarks of uAvionix Corporation and
may not be used without express permission of uAvionix.
skyBeacon, tailBeacon, Continuous Calibration, Power Transcoder, Echo
Installer, and Ping Installer are trademarks of uAvionix Corporation and
may not be used without express permission of uAvionix.
Patent uavionix.com/patents

UAV-1002513-001 3
Rev A
1 Revision History
Revision
Date
Comments
A
9/13/2019
Initial release

UAV-1002513-001 4
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2 Warnings / Disclaimers
All device operational procedures must be learned on the ground.
uAvionix is not liable for damages arising from the use or misuse of this
product.
This equipment is classified by the United States Department of
Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) as Export Control
Classification Number (ECCN) 7A994.
These items are controlled by the U.S. Government and authorized for
export only to the country of ultimate destination for use by the ultimate
consignee or end-user(s) herein identified. They may not be resold,
transferred, or otherwise disposed of, to any other country or to any person
other than the authorized ultimate consignee or end-user(s), either in their
original form or after being incorporated into other items, without first
obtaining approval from the U.S. government or as otherwise authorized by
U.S. law and regulations.

UAV-1002513-001 5
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3 Limited Warranty
uAvionix products are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for two years from the installation of tailBeacon on the
aircraft. For the duration of the warranty period, uAvionix, at its sole option,
will repair or replace any product which fails in normal use. Such repairs or
replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor,
provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost.
Restrictions: This warranty does not apply to cosmetic damage,
consumable parts, damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, water, fire
or flood, theft, damage caused by unauthorized servicing, or product that
has been modified or altered.
Disclaimer of Warranty: IN NO EVENT, SHALL UAVIONIX BE LIABLE
FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR
INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE
PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Warranty Service: Warranty repair service shall be provided directly by
uAvionix. Proof of purchase for the product from uAvionix or authorized
reseller is required to obtain and better expedite warrant service.
Please email or call uAvionix support with a description of the problem you
are experiencing. Also, please provide the model, serial number, shipping
address and a daytime contact number.
You will be promptly contacted with further troubleshooting steps or return
instructions. It is recommended to use a shipping method with tracking and
insurance.

UAV-1002513-001 6
Rev A
4 Table of Contents
1Revision History...................................................................................3
2Warnings / Disclaimers........................................................................4
3Limited Warranty..................................................................................5
5Introduction..........................................................................................8
5.1 Publications ..................................................................................8
5.2 Revision and Distribution ..............................................................8
5.3 Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................9
6System Description............................................................................10
6.1 Features and Installation.............................................................10
6.2 Interfaces....................................................................................11
7Control and Operation .......................................................................11
8Instructions for Continued Airworthiness............................................12
8.1 Airworthiness Limitations ............................................................12
8.2 Servicing Information ..................................................................12
8.2.1 On-Condition Servicing..........................................................12
8.2.2 Special Tools.........................................................................12
8.3 Maintenance Intervals.................................................................13
8.4 Visual Inspection.........................................................................14
8.4.1 tailBeacon Visual Inspection..................................................14
Position Light.........................................................................15
8.4.2 Visual Inspection...................................................................15
8.4.3 Annunciator LED Visual Inspection .......................................15
8.5 Post Lightning Strike Inspection..................................................15
8.6 Altitude Encoder Testing.............................................................15
8.6.1 Altitude Encoder Correspondence Test.................................16
9Post-Installation Test Procedures......................................................16
10 Troubleshooting.................................................................................16

UAV-1002513-001 7
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11 Return to Service Procedure..............................................................18
11.1 Maintenance Records.................................................................18
12 Support..............................................................................................18
Appendix A –Installation Record..............................................................19

UAV-1002513-001 8
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5 Introduction
This document provides Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and
Maintenance Manual (MM) for the tailBeacon UAT transmitter as installed
under STC SA04427CH. This document satisfies the requirements for
continued airworthiness as defined by 14 CFR Part 23.1529 and Appendix
A. Information in this document is required to maintain the continued
airworthiness of the tailBeacon UAT transmitter.
5.1 Publications
When performing tailBeacon system maintenance it is required the
following documents are available.
Part Number
uAvionix Document
UAV-1002185-001 Rev B
tailBeacon TSO User and Installation Guide
UAV-1002514-001 Rev B
tailBeacon STC Installation Manual
UAV-1002512-001 Rev A
tailBeacon Flight Manual Supplement
Owner/operators may obtain these documents at www.uavionix.com or by
contacting a uAvionix dealer.
5.2 Revision and Distribution
This document is required for maintaining the continued airworthiness of
the aircraft. When this document is revised, every page will be revised to
indicate current revision level.
Owner/operators may obtain the latest revision of this document at
www.uavionix.com or by contacting a uAvionix dealer. They may also
register for updates and support at www.uavionix.com.

UAV-1002513-001 9
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5.3 Acronyms and Abbreviations
The following acronyms may be used in this document:
ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast
AML Approved Model List
ATC Air Traffic Control
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
FCC Federal Communications Commission
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
GPS Global Positioning System
ICA Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
IFR Instrument Flight Rules
LED Light Emitting Diode
MM Maintenance Manual
RTCA Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics
SBAS Satellite Based Augmentation System
STC Supplemental Type Certificate
TSO Technical Standard Order
VFR Visual Flight Rules
WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System
UAT Universal Access Transceiver

UAV-1002513-001 10
Rev A
6 System Description
6.1 Features and Installation
tailBeacon is a tail mounted unit that meets all of the requirements for
compliance to 14 CFR Part 91.225 as follows:
•978 MHz UAT transmitter
•Power line transcoder used to obtain installed Mode A/C transponder
information including squawk code, IDENT, and altitude data
•GPS/SBAS receiver that provides the WAAS position source used for
the ownship ADS-B data
•Barometric pressure sensor and altitude encoder that continuously
calibrates itself to the Mode A/C transponder’s installed altitude
encoder
•LED white (rear) position light
•LED status light that provides indication of proper operation
This device transmits ownship Automatic Dependent Surveillance-
Broadcast (ADS-B) data through the UAT data link.
tailBeacon replaces an existing rear (white) position light. It must be
installed as shown in the tailBeacon STC Installation Manual.

UAV-1002513-001 11
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6.2 Interfaces
7 Control and Operation
During normal operation, the pilot has no direct interface or control of the
tailBeacon except for activating using the Position Light switch. Primary
user interface controls are provided by the aircraft’s existing transponder,
including selection of Mode A squawk code and IDENT. tailBeacon also
includes an annunciator LED that provides non-required information and is
not visible in flight.
Refer to tailBeacon Flight Manual Supplement for control and operation
information.
Position Light
Breaker
Transponder
Aircraft Power
(14/28V)
RED
Aircraft Ground
BLACK
Wi-Fi
iOS/
Android
Device

UAV-1002513-001 12
Rev A
8 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
This section provides Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the
tailBeacon system as installed under STC SA04427CH and satisfies the
requirements for continued airworthiness as defined by 14 CFR Part
23.1529 and Part 23 Appendix A.
8.1 Airworthiness Limitations
The Airworthiness Limitations section is FAA-approved and specifies
maintenance required under 14 CFR Part 43.16 and 14 CFR Part 91.403 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations unless an alternative program has been
FAA-approved.
There are no new or additional airworthiness limitations associated with this
equipment and/or installation.
8.2 Servicing Information
The tailBeacon unit maintenance is ‘on condition’ only. See TSO User and
Installation Guide (reference Section 7) for equipment removal and
installation. No component-level overhaul is required.
8.2.1 On-Condition Servicing
On Condition replacement and/or servicing may be required when
conditions, symptoms, and/or servicing should take place only after the
system is troubleshot based on guidance provided in this manual and per
common avionics maintenance practices.
8.2.2 Special Tools
The following tools are needed to perform maintenance tasks.
•Ground power source (capable of supplying sufficient power to the
aircraft systems and avionics)
•iOS or Android Mobile Device with “uAvionix skyBeacon Installer”
App
•Dark glasses for viewing LEDs directly at close range
•Optional or as required: Transponder ramp test set (e.g. Sun UAT1)

UAV-1002513-001 13
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8.3 Maintenance Intervals
Periodic checks of the tailBeacon system installed by the STC referenced
in Section 5 are specified in Table 8-1 at specific intervals.
Table 8-1 Maintenance Intervals
Item
Description/Procedure
Section No.
Interval
Equipment
Removal and
Replacement
Removal and
installation of the
tailBeacon unit
See
tailBeacon
TSO User
and
Installation
Guide Section
7
On Condition
Equipment
Visual
Inspection
Conduct a visual check
of the tailBeacon unit,
and associated wiring to
ensure continued
installation integrity
8.4
12 Calendar
Months
ADS-B
Firmware
Version
Confirm the ADS-B
firmware version is
current per Service
Bulletins
See
tailBeacon
TSO User
and
Installation
Guide Section
10.4
12 Calendar
Months
Lightning
Strike –
Actual or
Suspected
Inspect the wired
connections, tailBeacon
unit, and surrounding
areas.
8.5
On Condition
Testing
The tailBeacon must be
tested and shown to
comply with Title 14
CFR Part 91.227
Installation,
software
update, or
replacement
of tailBeacon

UAV-1002513-001 14
Rev A
Altitude
encoder
testing, for
VFR
operations
Ensure a recent “Last
Calibration” Date
See
tailBeacon
TSO User
and
Installation
Guide Section
10.4
12 Calendar
Months
Altitude
encoder
testing, for
IFR
operations in
controlled
airspace
Altitude encoder tested
and found to comply
with Part 43 Appendix E
Section (c)
8.6
In accordance
with 14 CFR
Part 91.411
and Part 43
Appendix E
Section (c)
8.4 Visual Inspection
Perform a visual inspection as detailed in this section. Check tailBeacon
system components for damage or other defects and replace as required.
Inspection may require the temporary removal of a unit to gain access to
connectors. Follow guidance in User and Installation Guide for equipment
removal and replacement. Refer to model specific Aircraft Maintenance
Manual for instructions on removing access panels or covers, as required.
8.4.1 tailBeacon Visual Inspection
•Inspect the tailBeacon unit and verify it is securely mounted.
•Inspect the unit fasteners and verify they are properly torqued and
show no wear or damage. Additionally –
oVerify unit support structure is in good condition and its integrity
is not compromised.
oInspect for corrosion and treat as required.
•Inspect the condition of the wiring.
oVerify that all wiring and cables are securely fastened.
oVerify that the harness shows no signs of cracking, chafing,
abrasion, melting, or any other form of damage.
oInspect the tailBeacon connectors for corrosion, evidence of
moisture, or other defects.

UAV-1002513-001 15
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8.4.2 Position Light Visual Inspection
The rear position light is designed with 2 white LEDs. If any one LED fails,
the unit must be repaired or replaced.
Note: Use dark glasses or cover the device to ensure eye safety during
LED inspection.
8.4.3 Annunciator LED Visual Inspection
The LED annunciator is designed with a single red LED. If the LED fails,
the unit must be repaired or replaced.
To confirm proper LED operation, momentary
illumination may be observed immediately after the
unit is powered on.
8.5 Post Lightning Strike Inspection
Inspection of the tailBeacon unit must be performed following a suspected
or actual lightning strike. The tailBeacon and nearby aircraft structure and
cabling must be inspected to verify no damage has occurred where
lightning may have attached. A tailBeacon with visible signs of damage
should be replaced. Grounding hardware and nearby aircraft structure
supporting tailBeacon installation must be inspected for damage. Repair
any damaged components.
8.6 Altitude Encoder Testing
The internal tailBeacon altitude encoder is designed to stay in Continuous
CalibrationTM. For IFR operations in controlled airspace, the encoder must
meet the requirements of 14 CFR Part 91.411, having been tested and
inspected and found to comply with Part 43 Appendix E Section (c).
The difference between the reported pressure altitude and the altitude
displayed on the Primary Flight Altimeter shall not exceed 125 feet.
Continuous CalibrationTM ensures the altitude reported by tailBeacon
matches what is being reported by your transponder altitude encoder.
Note: If your transponder altitude encoder has been recently adjusted, a
VFR flight may be necessary to achieve proper correspondence. Your
Primary Flight Altimeter must have been previously tested as required by
Part 43 Appendix E.

UAV-1002513-001 16
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8.6.1 Altitude Encoder Correspondence Test
•Ensure transponder is turned OFF
•Set the primary flight altimeter to 29.92 inches of mercury
•Turn on the tailBeacon
•Open the “uAvionix skyBeacon Installer” as detailed in tailBeacon
TSO User and Installation Guide Section 10
•Connect to tailBeacon
•Select the Monitor screen
•View the reported Pressure Altitude and ensure correspondence
±125 feet of the Primary Flight Altimeter
9 Post-Installation Test Procedures
Procedures that must be completed when the tailBeacon is removed and
re-installed or replaced with a new unit are detailed in this section.
Refer to tailBeacon TSO User and Installation Guide Section 10.3 for Post-
Installation Checks.
If no other service is to be performed, continue to the return-to-service
procedure in Section 10.
10 Troubleshooting
This section provides troubleshooting information to assist if problems
occur after maintenance activities.
Table 10-1 Troubleshooting Actions
Problem / Indication
Cause
Action
Unable to see Beacon-
XXXX Wi-Fi network
•Device not receiving
power
•Ensure circuit breaker is
closed, navigation light
switch is on and wiring is
correct

UAV-1002513-001 17
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Position light not
functioning
•Device not receiving
power
•Position light disabled in
configuration
•Voltage less than 11 volts
•Ensure circuit breaker is
closed, navigation light
switch is on and wiring to
red and black wires are
correct
•Ensure position light is
enabled in configuration
•Ensure system voltage
greater than 11 volts
(may require the engine
to be running)
Invalid configuration
- Annunciator LED
constant On and
configuration error
indicated in app
•Invalid ICAO address
configuration
•Transmit disabled
•Configure a valid ICAO
address using the
installer app
•Ensure transmit is
enabled in app
configuration
Position fault
- Annunciator LED
blinking On/Off and no
position shown in app
•No GPS position
available
•Ensure device has a
clear view of the sky
•Allow GPS up to 15
minutes to obtain
position
Other fault
- Annunciator LED
blinking or constant
On and other error
indicated in app
•Internal fault or other
configuration issue
•Contact uAvionix
Annunciator LED does
not momentarily
illuminate on power-on
•Device not receiving
power
•Annunciator LED failure
•Ensure circuit breaker is
closed, navigation light
switch is on and wiring is
correct
•Confirm ability to
connect to connect to
device using app
•If able to connect but no
annunciator LED was
visible during fault or
power on conditions,
contact uAvionix

UAV-1002513-001 18
Rev A
11 Return to Service Procedure
After removing and re-installing or replacing the tailBeacon, perform the
system configuration procedures in the tailBeacon TSO User and
Installation Guide Section 10.
11.1 Maintenance Records
After conducting the required return-to-service procedures in accordance
with this document, the aircraft may be returned to service.
Record the following information in the appropriate aircraft maintenance
logs.
•Part number and serial number of the unit that was replaced or re-
installed.
•Any other applicable information related to the maintenance work
performed on the aircraft.
Appendix A includes an installation record that should be completed and
updated as appropriate with every maintenance action.
12 Support
For additional questions or support please visit:
http://www.uavionix.com/support/

UAV-1002513-001 19
Rev A
Appendix A –Installation Record
A copy of this appendix must be used to record installation information and
must be kept in the aircraft permanent records.
NOTE: A copy of this form must be sent to maintenance@uavionix.com.
tailBeacon Installation and Configuration Log
Date:
By:
Aircraft Information
Make:
Model:
Serial Number:
Registration Number:
tailBeacon Information
Serial Number:
Wi-Fi SSID:
tailBeacon Configuration
Transmit Enabled: □ On □ Off
Anonymous Mode: □ On □ Off
Call Sign:
ICAO Number (hex):
VSO (knots):
ADS-B In Capability: □ 978 □ 1090
Position Light: □ On □ Off
Emitter Type:
Transponder Mon. Threshold:
Aircraft Length:
Aircraft Width:
GPS Antenna Offset (Lat):
GPS Antenna Offset (Lon):
Customer Information
Name:
Email:
Telephone:
Address:
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