Hey all you fine fellows, gentlemen, geniuses and assorted other types, what do think of the new required ELT .

I know it uses GPS technology is supposedly wonderful but I think is really just so that "big brother" can for sure know who you are.

Can you still fly down south without it if you stay out of controlled airspace.

curious

Shane

shorton wrote:... what do think of the new required ELT .

Please cite the requirement for a NEW ELT?
AFIK, there is no requirement, just that some folks are nervous about the decommissioning of SARSAT.

Besides, the GPS enabled Beacons do not transmit unless explicitly turned on by the user.

MikeMl wrote:Please cite the requirement for a NEW ELT?

Ditto that !!!!!

News to me if that is true. What if I don't want them to find me? I just might want to head out and camp with Steve Fossett for a while.

Gump

From the AOPA;
When ELTs were mandated in 1973, most GA aircraft were equipped with an ELT that transmits on the 121.5 MHz frequency, the designated international distress frequency. The original ELTs were manufactured to the specifications of an FAA technical standard order (TSO-C91) and have an activation rate of less than 25 percent in actual crashes and a 97 percent false-alarm rate. In 1985, a new TSO-C91A ELT was developed, which substantially reduces or eliminates many problems with the earlier model. The TSO-C91A provides improved performance and reliability (with an activation rate of 73 percent in actual crashes) at a reasonable cost to users ($200-$500 including installation). Since then, an even more advanced model of ELT has been developed — the C126 ELT (406 MHz). This newest model activates 81-83 percent of the time and transmits a more accurate and near-instantaneous emergency signal by utilizing digital technology. This digital 406-MHz ELT also allows search and rescue personnel to have vital information specific to you and your aircraft. These ELTs are more expensive, however, with the current cost around $1,000 or more per unit, not including installation.

ELTs were originally intended for use on the 121.5-MHz frequency to alert air traffic control and aircraft monitoring the frequency. In 1982 a satellite-based monitoring system was implemented (COSPAS-SARSAT) to provide a better receiving source for these signals. As of February 1, 2009, the international COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system will discontinue satellite-based monitoring of the 121.5/243-MHz frequencies, in part because of a high number of false signals attributed with these frequencies. While there's no requirement in the United States to replace the first- and second-generation 121.5-MHz ELTs, after this date, 121.5/243-MHz distress signals transmitted from ELTs operating on the lower frequency will only be detected by ground-based receivers such as local airport facilities and air traffic control facilities or by overflying aircraft. It is important to note that after 2009, existing 121.5-MHz ELTs, although still legal from the FAA's perspective, will provide extremely limited assistance if an aircraft crashes, especially in a remote location.

Yes, that AOPA piece is correct. There were several errors in this thread.

First, you don't have to replace your existing ELT with a new generation 406 beacon.

Second, the 406 mhz beacons do not, necessarily, use GPS technology for deriving a location. They use geometry, just like the 121.5 beacon system did, but because its a digital system, its more precise. There are 406 beacons which ARE GPS enabled. THey cost a lot more than $1000 though, but these are aircraft mounted and are impact activated.

Third, nobody is "turning off the SAR/SAT system". Same system of satellites, but they will no longer listen for 121.5 mhz signals. An aircraft will still be able to monitor 121.5 though.


FInally, you can carry and register a PLB, which operates on the 406 frequency, but it will have to be manually activated.

MTV

Hi,
My IA also told me about this new requirement that starts in 2009. He said we would all be required to buy new ELT's that will relay GPS coordinates when activated. I have also heard this from many others and belive it to be true. The new generation GPS ELTS are avaiable on many avionics sites such as eastern avionics and are about $1000 and up. I have heard that these will be mandated for all GA aircraft but this could all be hearsay....


Mike

Your mechanic is wrong on this. Now, that's not to suggest that it might not be a good IDEA to replace your 121.5 beacon with a 406 beacon, but there is, and the FAA has specifically stated that they are NOT going to require this.

At present, the NTSB is trying to convince the FAA to make the new generation beacons mandatory, but to date, at least, the FAA has refused to go there.

MTV

mtv wrote:Your mechanic is wrong on this. Now, that's not to suggest that it might not be a good IDEA to replace your 121.5 beacon with a 406 beacon, but there is, and the FAA has specifically stated that they are NOT going to require this.

At present, the NTSB is trying to convince the FAA to make the new generation beacons mandatory, but to date, at least, the FAA has refused to go there.

MTV

That's it.

Personally, I have an GPS PLB that I carry and plan to operate with the old 121.5 ELT for awhile until 406 prices drop.

There was also this bit in a recent AVwebFlash --

http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/a ... tml#197059

talking about a possible upcoming requirement change for 406 MHz ELTs
in Canada. Would apply to Canadian-registered and transiting US-registered
planes.

Benton 11feb08

Here is what my IA sent me on the subject.

406 ELT's Mandated In Canada?

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is warning pilots they should be concerned that revisions to a regulation's wording could mean mandatory installation of 406 ELTs in all Canadian aircraft -- and transient aircraft, too. In a letter from Kevin Psutka, president and CEO, Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, Psutka states that "low-cost alternatives to ELTs have all but been ruled out for our sector of aviation." Because the U.S. does not mandate 406 ELTs, "thousands of U.S. aircraft will be banned from Canada," posing a particular problem for aircraft transiting to and from Alaska. COPA is advising its members that the next opportunity for comment will be when the draft regulation is publicly announced. While COPA seeks alternatives, it is also advising members in the market for an ELT to equip with a 406 ELT. "The battery must not be LiSO2 and, for a 406 ELT, it must be coded for Canada and registered with the National Search and Rescue Secretariat."

See the latest AOPA e-news item on this. AOPA is well aware of this, and is working with the Canadian authorities to try to find relief for US aviators.

Hopefully, the 406 ELTs will come down in price some, but I'm not holding out much hope.

Consider that the 406 PLB, which does not require ANY FAA oversight or approval, is priced at $550, which is still twice the price of a 121.5 ELT right now.

MTV