A Line Mechanic reports a specific job card and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administrative (NOAA) form had not been completed after replacing an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) on a B757-200. The ELT Job Card and NOAA form were not included in the aircraft's Maintenance Work Package.
Synopsis
A Line Mechanic reports a specific job card and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administrative (NOAA) form had not been completed after replacing an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) on a B757-200. The ELT Job Card and NOAA form were not included in the aircraft's Maintenance Work Package.
Narrative
I had part of a Work Package on a B757-200; Aircraft X. One of which was replacement of the forward ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter); the other was to troubleshoot a Forward Cargo Smoke Detector Fan fault. I was also assigned to complete an Overnight Check on an Airbus aircraft. The removal and replacement of the ELT was a simple task;. I knew there were no Operational Checks to be done. The Maintenance Computer Work Package did not reference any job cards to complete for this replacement.Hearing a Lead and another Mechanic discussing the same task [replacing an ELT] on another B757-200 and determining that a job card and a National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) form may or may not need to be filled out. I realized that I had done the same task a few weeks ago on Aircraft X and had done no such paperwork.The AMM gives no narrative for replacing a portable ELT. The Task Card in the Maintenance Computer Work Package does not denote the job card required. The Maintenance Procedures Manual (MPM) refers you to AMM Chapter 25-70; and there you find the job card reference. This needs to be plainly stated; if a job card is required on a scheduled task! Especially something as critical as an ELT! Why are we making things so difficult to find?I contacted Maintenance Control to try and determine the 15-digit Beacon ID number. Maintenance Control is calling ZZZ to try and get someone to read that ID number. Once I get it; I will fill out the job card and send a message to Maintenance Records. I will also notify my Supervisor upon his arrival.Suggest that if a job card for a scheduled maintenance task is required; DON'T HIDE IT! Make it simple; like we do for other inconsequential things like changing a Non-essential Function (NEF) list; for example. The job card reference [for NEF list] is right there on the Maintenance Work Package; plain as day.
NASA callback
Reporter stated Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) is normally changed due to the ELT batteries are time limited. Although a specific ELT Remove/Replace Job Card and Serial Number (S/N) are required to be completed; they were not part of the Maintenance Work Package he worked that night. But their Maintenance Records group has the responsibility to notify the NOAA of the Serial Number of the ELT; which is registered to a specific aircraft tail number.Reporter stated there is no easy way to search for specific job cards using their current maintenance computer system to check if a job card is required for a particular job task.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.