Coegie, we've gone away from the "no user serviceable parts inside" , it's a maintenance headache. The older Dukane ULB's (pingers) used to have to go back to the factory for a battery change, the new ones are field replaceable.
What I don't understand is why they are only checking the ones in the '87. Honeywell said there are over 6000 in service. Seems we should be checking them all.
Link to AD
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Gu...2013-15-07.pdf
It does say " This AD is considered to be interim action. Because the fire occurred on a Model 787-8 airplane,required actions in this AD are focused on Honeywell fixed ELTs installed on that model. However,we acknowledge that ELTs are installed on various other aircraft; therefore, continued investigation is required. Once final action has been identified, we might consider further rulemaking. "
ETA: fixed link