So it's time to replace my 121.5 ELT with a combination 121.5/406. The install of the ELT and cockpit wiring are pretty straight forward, but the replacement of the antenna has got me at a bit of a loss. 

The ELT antenna itself is located on the top of the fuse just forward of the tail faring. I can't figure out how to get to it easily to get it out and the new one in.

After staring at it for an hour or two and talking it over with the other airport guys who are sympathetic with my plight we came up with a few options. 

1. Disconnect the control cables and get someone skinny to climb back there and undo it. I'm not sure the skin will support the weight of someone in there, or if it's even feasible to climb past the flaperon controls. Looks barely doable and I would support the tail of the plane with some wood topped with foam. Still seems like a risk for damage. Has anyone done climbed back in there and come out unscathed?

2. Cut an access hole under the antenna and reach up from the underside. Looks like my arm would just be long enough. Probably wouldn't be a fun job and I don't necessarily like that idea too much. 

3. Leave the ELT antenna as it is and install the 406 ELT antenna where the current com antenna is, then move the com antenna to a bent whip under the fuselage. This is probably the easiest option, even though a bit silly as it leaves useless stuff on the plane. But, least risk of damage. 

Any other ideas or thoughts?

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Nice!  As they saying goes - "...many ways to skin a cat..."

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