When an antenna is installed, where should it be fastened?

When an antenna is installed, where should it be fastened?

• A. To the aircraft structure
• B. To the engine mount
• C. To the pilot's seat belt anchor
• D. To the wingtip

Answer: (A)

Mounting the antenna to the aircraft structure provides a solid, rigid base that can withstand flight loads, vibration, and heat, while also ensuring a proper electrical ground path. The engine mount is a moving, highly stressed area not designed for antenna loads, so it isn’t appropriate. The pilot’s seat belt anchor isn’t a structural member meant to carry RF equipment and could compromise safety and restraint performance. Wingtip mounting can introduce issues from aerodynamic interference and wing flex, and isn’t the standard, reliable choice. So attaching to the aircraft structure is the correct practice.

Mounting the antenna to the aircraft structure provides a solid, rigid base that can withstand flight loads, vibration, and heat, while also ensuring a proper electrical ground path. The engine mount is a moving, highly stressed area not designed for antenna loads, so it isn’t appropriate. The pilot’s seat belt anchor isn’t a structural member meant to carry RF equipment and could compromise safety and restraint performance. Wingtip mounting can introduce issues from aerodynamic interference and wing flex, and isn’t the standard, reliable choice. So attaching to the aircraft structure is the correct practice.