Latest ELT requirements

[barnstmr]

OK... I have searched and am not finding the prior threads about the latest rules for ELT use. Also not finding the REG. I have a TSO-C91a Ameri-King model AK-450 rated for 121.5 / 243.0 MHz. Is it legal now or not? Can anyone direct me to the latest rule reference? Thanks.. TB

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

New ELT installations are suppose to be able to transmit on 406 mhz. At some point very soon, they are suppose to quit monitoring 121.5 but forgot when. There was an AC or other bulletin on it awhile back informing of the change

[astjp2]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

Comsarsat quit monitoring 121.5 at the end of Jan or the first of Feb this year. Be careful on the 406 mhz elt's, they say that they will send the last GPS coordinates, but most hand helds like garmins are not compatiable, they only work with a panel mount GPS and the ELT has to be the correct one for your application. I.E. they are expensive. Tim

Your 121.5 still meets the requirements but it is not monitored so you may not be heard when it goes off. It is supposed to be around 6 more years before you must have the 406.

[Ray36048]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

ATC still monitors 121.5, Comsarsat no longer does. All you need to do is crash near an ATC facility.

I stiil want to know how many people have been saved by an ELT.

[3Dreaming]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

I think you can still put in a 121.5 ELT as long as you are not flying outside the country. The USA has not required the new 406 ELT's yet, but it would be foolish not to put it in a new installation. Tom


91.207 Emergency locator transmitters.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section, no person may operate a U.S.-registered civil airplane unless—

(1) There is attached to the airplane an approved automatic type emergency locator transmitter that is in operable condition for the following operations, except that after June 21, 1995, an emergency locator transmitter that meets the requirements of TSO-C91 may not be used for new installations:

(i) Those operations governed by the supplemental air carrier and commercial operator rules of parts 121 and 125;

(ii) Charter flights governed by the domestic and flag air carrier rules of part 121 of this chapter; and

(iii) Operations governed by part 135 of this chapter; or

(2) For operations other than those specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, there must be attached to the airplane an approved personal type or an approved automatic type emergency locator transmitter that is in operable condition, except that after June 21, 1995, an emergency locator transmitter that meets the requirements of TSO-C91 may not be used for new installations.

(b) Each emergency locator transmitter required by paragraph (a) of this section must be attached to the airplane in such a manner that the probability of damage to the transmitter in the event of crash impact is minimized. Fixed and deployable automatic type transmitters must be attached to the airplane as far aft as practicable.

(c) Batteries used in the emergency locator transmitters required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section must be replaced (or recharged, if the batteries are rechargeable)—

(1) When the transmitter has been in use for more than 1 cumulative hour; or

(2) When 50 percent of their useful life (or, for rechargeable batteries, 50 percent of their useful life of charge) has expired, as established by the transmitter manufacturer under its approval.

The new expiration date for replacing (or recharging) the battery must be legibly marked on the outside of the transmitter and entered in the aircraft maintenance record. Paragraph (c)(2) of this section does not apply to batteries (such as water-activated batteries) that are essentially unaffected during probable storage intervals.

(d) Each emergency locator transmitter required by paragraph (a) of this section must be inspected within 12 calendar months after the last inspection for—

(1) Proper installation;

(2) Battery corrosion;

(3) Operation of the controls and crash sensor; and

(4) The presence of a sufficient signal radiated from its antenna.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, a person may—

(1) Ferry a newly acquired airplane from the place where possession of it was taken to a place where the emergency locator transmitter is to be installed; and

(2) Ferry an airplane with an inoperative emergency locator transmitter from a place where repairs or replacements cannot be made to a place where they can be made.

No person other than required crewmembers may be carried aboard an airplane being ferried under paragraph (e) of this section.

(f) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to—

(1) Before January 1, 2004, turbojet-powered aircraft;

(2) Aircraft while engaged in scheduled flights by scheduled air carriers;

(3) Aircraft while engaged in training operations conducted entirely within a 50-nautical mile radius of the airport from which such local flight operations began;

(4) Aircraft while engaged in flight operations incident to design and testing;

(5) New aircraft while engaged in flight operations incident to their manufacture, preparation, and delivery;

(6) Aircraft while engaged in flight operations incident to the aerial application of chemicals and other substances for agricultural purposes;

(7) Aircraft certificated by the Administrator for research and development purposes;

(8) Aircraft while used for showing compliance with regulations, crew training, exhibition, air racing, or market surveys;

(9) Aircraft equipped to carry not more than one person.

(10) An aircraft during any period for which the transmitter has been temporarily removed for inspection, repair, modification, or replacement, subject to the following:

(i) No person may operate the aircraft unless the aircraft records contain an entry which includes the date of initial removal, the make, model, serial number, and reason for removing the transmitter, and a placard located in view of the pilot to show “ELT not installed.”

(ii) No person may operate the aircraft more than 90 days after the ELT is initially removed from the aircraft; and

(11) On and after January 1, 2004, aircraft with a maximum payload capacity of more than 18,000 pounds when used in air transportation.

[jim cooper]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

I AGREE! With modern technology being what it is, there should have been, five years ago a very VERY accurate ELT for light aircraft at a VERY reasonable price. Example: If they want, they can find out exactly where you are by your cell phone. There should also be a very inexpensive GPS available for the sport pilot with very simple directions, similar to the one for cars at Walmarts. I guess the answer is, if your going down, try to make it to an interstate! JC

[Pearson]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

In addition to ATC, most airline pilots monitor 121.5 when flying across the country.

[bashibazouk]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

I believe the Canadians put the 406 mhz ELT requirement on hold as well. See the Transport Canada website:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/Re...c03/2003313.ht
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New generation ELTs (broadcasting on 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz simultaneously) offer advantages over current ELTs. 406 MHz ELTs transmit a distinctive distress signal and also send identification data that help search and rescue agencies determine the validity of the distress call. Transport Canada has produced a video for pilots outlining the advantages offered by this technology.

In keeping with our international obligation as an ICAO Contracting State, Transport Canada is proposing the introduction of a requirement for Canadian aircraft used in international air transport services to be equipped with 406 MHz ELTs. Transport Canada is not, however, mandating the use of 406 MHz ELTs for domestic operations.

Since the satellite capability to recognize the 121.5 MHz frequency is being phased out, a study was conducted that confirmed the feasibility of developing a 406 MHz ELT that would be affordable for the general aviation community. Subsequently, the National Search and Rescue Secretariat has funded the development of a pre-production low-cost model of 406 MHz ELT. Improvements based on the prototype test results are currently underway.

The decision not to mandate 406 MHz ELTs for domestic operations is in line with the FAA's position. While the FAA is recommending that aircraft owners install 406 MHz when replacing their ELTs, they are not mandating they do so.
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FWIW, I'm listening to 121.5 as I cross the country, too. You hear some interesting things on there sometimes.

Josh

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

So ponder this about your 406 ELT...

You go to test it during an annual. If you have the dual 121.5 / 406 ELT you hear the sweep tone just fine on 121.5, but how do you test that the 406 data burst worked OK? You could just leave the ELT on for a minute and wait for the sheriff or somebody to show up in a few hours. Or perhaps you find an avionics shop with $ome $ort of te$t equipment. In either case good 'ole Joe Wrenchbender probably can't do a satisfactory annual on your plane equipped with a 406. Once the 406 has been activated for longer than just a brief period, it looks for a satellite and then bammo! It sends out an SOS and you don't even know it happened.

However it is a great way to meet new people wearing cool uniforms.

[astjp2]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

The 406 tso requires a self test feature. The batteries are only required to be changed every 5 years. They also cost about 120.00 and are LiO or NiMh or how ever you spell it...Tim

The reg also changed on the 121.5 batteries, you only need to change when the batteries expire or they reach 50%, not every 2 years like it used to be.

[magman]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

I believe you check the 406 portion by a patch cord to a laptop.

You then go to a website for the test.

[astjp2]

Re: Latest ELT requirements

NO, they did not implement this because there is no alternate method of compliance, so they delayed it for a while. Tim

I believe the Canadians put the 406 mhz ELT requirement on hold as well. See the Transport Canada website:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/Re...c03/2003313.ht
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New generation ELTs (broadcasting on 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz simultaneously) offer advantages over current ELTs. 406 MHz ELTs transmit a distinctive distress signal and also send identification data that help search and rescue agencies determine the validity of the distress call. Transport Canada has produced a video for pilots outlining the advantages offered by this technology.

In keeping with our international obligation as an ICAO Contracting State, Transport Canada is proposing the introduction of a requirement for Canadian aircraft used in international air transport services to be equipped with 406 MHz ELTs. Transport Canada is not, however, mandating the use of 406 MHz ELTs for domestic operations.

Since the satellite capability to recognize the 121.5 MHz frequency is being phased out, a study was conducted that confirmed the feasibility of developing a 406 MHz ELT that would be affordable for the general aviation community. Subsequently, the National Search and Rescue Secretariat has funded the development of a pre-production low-cost model of 406 MHz ELT. Improvements based on the prototype test results are currently underway.

The decision not to mandate 406 MHz ELTs for domestic operations is in line with the FAA's position. While the FAA is recommending that aircraft owners install 406 MHz when replacing their ELTs, they are not mandating they do so.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FWIW, I'm listening to 121.5 as I cross the country, too. You hear some interesting things on there sometimes.

Josh