406 Elts: when are they mandatory for private aircraft?

[1000 HP]

I just wondered if anybody knows when the 406 ELTs are mandatory? I still have the 121.5 in my bird. I am planning some extensive remodelling this year and would like to defer the 406 one more year.

[Big Pistons Forever]

The CAR's have not been changed so the only requirement is a 121.5 ELT. Even if this were to change tomorrow there will still be a phase in period therefore it is likely it will be several years before you will be required to have a 406 beacon. Hopefully by then other better alternatives will also be authorized.

In the meantime get a SPOT and carry it on every flight

[1000 HP]

Hey Big Pistons,

Thanks! Woo Hoo!

I'm spending enough on the bird this year so that is good news. (I put it up for sale but it looks like that isn't happening ) ..So here come the speed brakes

And I do carry a spot and "spot connect" on every flight. I've had the spot for a few years now plus the additional SAR insurance. I'm feeling pretty safe with that system because I have tested it all over the world and it sends a little message when I want it to.

[Beefitarian]

I'm puzzled by the lack of information. It seems a bit like they have not decided what they want to replace the analogue units with yet. I don't know how good the old ones are. The sattelite system is not monitoring them anymore.
http://www.cospas-sarsat.org/

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/c ... elt-65.htm

[cgzro]

I swapped my 121 unit for a 406 a few years ago. Was a total non event. I had an Ack and they make a 406 unit that mounts in the same tray (and its even lighter), the antenna is swapped and you need to mount a buzzer, the remote head did not need to be changed. Entire installation took less than an hour and the cost was I think about $700 plus 1 hour of my mechanics time. Im sure it can be much more complex in some a/c but for me anyway it was straight forward.

[azimuthaviation]

I had an Ack and they make a 406 unit that mounts in the same tray

The standards to mount the tray have changed. Even if the tray is a retrofit, the way it is mounted may or may not be acceptable. The new 406 ELT TSO is not just a retrofit or a frequency change, it is an upgrade of the entire system to increase reliability.

Entire installation took less than an hour and the cost was I think about $700 plus 1 hour of my mechanics time.

Typically for a GA type aircraft, about an 8 hour job. If you buy an ELT from an avionics shop thats a dealer for Artex or Kannad, they should give you a deal on the install.

Im sure it can be much more complex in some a/c but for me anyway it was straight forward.

Yes. Some can go well into the six figures. Be happy youre only paying a couple G's

[photofly]

1 hour of my mechanics time

Spoken like a true aircraft owner.

Typically for a GA type aircraft, about an 8 hour job.

Spoken like a true AME!

[GyvAir]

Well into six figures? What sort of ELT system does $100,000.00 buy you? I hope it makes you lunch while you wait for SAR to show up!

[azimuthaviation]

Typically for a GA type aircraft, about an 8 hour job.

Spoken like a true AME!

To run the on/off/armed switch in the cockpit to the ELT in the back you need to rip out and reinstall interior panels, seats, carpets, and whatever else is on the way. Some ELTs require aircraft power to the LED in the switch as well. Depending on aircraft type and pre existing equipment average is about 8 hours, and sometimes considerably more.

Well into six figures? What sort of ELT system does $100,000.00 buy you?

One that satisfies DND requirements. Battery that recharges in flight, GPS interface, FDR interface, NVG capable On/Off/Armed switch wired to NVG and regular panel lighting systems, thats in addition to the regular requirements like structural modifications, etc. Then also factor the cost of design and approval the cost of which gets divided among the number of aircraft in the fleet, average of a few dozen.

[photofly]

I suspect that most people reading this thread with an interest in installing a 406 ELT paid considerably less than 6 figures for the entire aircraft and couldn't care a toss about DND requirements. They don't have an FDR, NVG or probably even a panel mount GPS.

[GyvAir]

Although I certainly have no need for and will likely never drive a Maserati, it's still interesting to see what a $150,000 version of a car looks like..

[photofly]

On the scale of interesting, the $150k car ranks a lot higher than the $150k ELT, don't you think?

[GyvAir]

Yes... and certainly a lot more fun potential! Probably even comes with an OnStar type "ELT" that blows most of the aviation stuff away.

[azimuthaviation]

OnStar coverage map:



ELT coverage map:



And no subscription fees

[Colonel Sanders]

That's a good point - almost all Canadian-registered
light single engine aircraft are routinely flown trans-
continental.

[GyvAir]

OnStar coverage map:

Well that's disappointing. I wonder if Sherwin will tell you just how screwed you are when you break down on the highway midway between Wabush and Goose Bay in February?
Sherwin Broome

[azimuthaviation]

That's a good point - almost all Canadian-registered
light single engine aircraft are routinely flown trans-
continental.

Not really. But a lot of people do find themselves outside of cellular coverage areas. Whether theyre in their plane, or in their car. Its a big country out there. Check some of it out.

[GyvAir]

I feel a little silly now.. I thought OnStar had satellite communication capabilities.

[photofly]

Not really. But a lot of people do find themselves outside of cellular coverage areas.

That reminds me. Somewhere around half way between Fort Mac and Yellowknife, at 8,500 feet. No radar coverage, no ATC, and I can't raise Flight Services on any frequency. Nothing but trees and lakes in all directions. But bless me if I don't look down at my iPhone and notice I have five bars of signal strength. I download the latest weather via 3G. What a funny country.

[NeverBlue]

Well done azimuth.

It always amazes me how little some know of actual requirements to do this mod.

I hope it makes you lunch while you wait for SAR to show up!

probably not...but at least they'll show up...how much is that worth to you??

"1 hour of my mechanics time"
Spoken like a true aircraft owner.

"Typically for a GA type aircraft, about an 8 hour job."
Spoken like a true AME!

I like that one photofly...even if the sarcasm is directed towards AMEs...it works both ways

[culver10]

http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/Regse ... n/2052.htm

The local AME who does your annual cannot install a new 406 ELT in your private plane anymore!

[crazy_aviator]

Elt deflection requirements should be adhered to. It is .100 inch with 100 pound pull force. Most 121.5 ELT installations now fail that requirement. All in all, a proper install is 8 hrs. labour.

[photofly]

And if it's not 8 hours, you'll make it so!

[AirFrame]

It's worth noting that despite there being no regulations requiring it yet, if you are completing or importing an amateur-built aircraft, MD-RA will no longer submit your final paperwork unless your aircraft has a 406MHz ELT on board.

[Meecka]

And if it's not 8 hours, you'll make it so!

No. If its not 8 hours I'll charge you for the time it does take. Come on guys, not all AME's are out to screw you. Give me a break.