406 ELT

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fleet16b
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by fleet16b »

Heads up boys and girls

Yesterday I was talking with someone who is "in the know" about the new 406 ELT and he states that there may be some good new regarding this issue.
He would not elaborate but hinted that they may be some kind of reversal/consideration in the works for private a/c.
Don't get your hopes up but I do consider this guy a very good source.
Keep your fingers crossed.
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ret
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by ret »

Your friend was correct. Transport Canada has put the implementation on hold.

by Kevin Psutka
4 May 2009

The Transport Minister’s office has informed COPA that the proposed regulation that would effectively mandate 406 MHz ELTs has not been accepted. Thanks to COPA’s representations as well as contacts by COPA members with their Members of Parliament, Minister Baird came to appreciate that the regulation, as drafted, prevents any available alternative from being acceptable.

COPA had been pushing for the regulation to be returned to the Canadian Aviation Regulations Advisory Council, in which COPA participates, for further discussion leading to revised wording that would permit alternatives for our sector. The Minister has granted this request. A date for this meeting is being arranged but there is no firm schedule as of the date of this update.

Until this work is complete, the current regulation remains in place. Members are reminded that monitoring of the current ELTs is limited to overflying aircraft and a small number of NAV CANADA facilities. Satellite monitoring is limited to 406 MHz. Members who have not converted to 406 should take extra precautions to maximize their prospects in the event of an emergency.
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ret
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by ret »

I too, like other cessna 150 owners are having an issue with not being able to utilize the factory installed elt bracket that is located behind the cabin on the skin of the aircraft. This location obviously was just fine for the 121.5 elt, why not the 406? I have been told yes I can and no I can't. I think the easiest way around this is going to be to install an elt that has it all in one and mounts in the cabin behind the seats on the wall. This eliminates feeding wires up to the panel for the panel switch (because it's already on the unit) and it can be removed and taken with you if you leave the aircraft crash site (provided you survived) So far I have only found one unit called EBC 406 and its approved in Canada. Anyone find any similar units?
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ret
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by ret »

I see Transport Canada has put elt installation deadline on hold.
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ohboy
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by ohboy »

As you know, ELTs fail a large percentage of the time, so how would the Spot fit into this discussion? Of course, it's not an ELT, but it seems it's far more reliable. You can set up a "bread crumb" trail; where the trail stops is the exact location of the aircraft. Also, they are much cheaper than the 406. My understanding is that they are tracked by private commercial satellites. Also, as you know, the Transport Minister, Baird, has not accepted the proposed regulation that would mandate the 406 because it "prevents any available alternative from being acceptable." So we can continuing flying with the 121.5 ELT and/or switch to the Spot, which COPA recommends.
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ret
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by ret »

Frequent Asked Questions at Spot site. This is not good especially for my C150. I operate two Gps units and frequent airports.


Q: My spot device does not work properly near airports or when I have another GPS device closeby
A: SPOT accepts interference from other electronic devices and should not be used in proximity to anything that generates strong electrical fields such as airports, radio towers, other GPS devices, etc.
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twotter
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by twotter »

For all of you who are glad you don't have to put the 406 into your airplane, just remember, if you crash, you'd better hope there is an airplane flying over you that is listening to 121.5 because the satelites are not anymore.

It is classed as a minor mod and if any of you with a 150 would like, PM me and I'll send you a drawing of what I did in ours.

Cheers
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SuperchargedRS
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by SuperchargedRS »

One thing that I ended up doing is to carry a EPIRB, it's a floating maritime beacon that transmits w/ GPS on 406 and 121.5. I got a good deal on one (free :smt040 ) and registered it.

I carry it in that back of the plane, so I have the aircrafts 121.5 ELT and a backup (the EPIRB) that I can remove from the plane that will transmit on it's own for 48 hours straight on 121.5 GPS 406, plus it has one he11 of a strobe on the top of it. They are activated manually or if set to auto when they hit water.

Just some food for thought!



Kinda like this one
Image
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by Unit 969 »

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Re: 406 ELT

Post by hoptwoit »

Found these on the Transport Canada site.

As an owner I have no intention of changing my ELT to 406 till they require it and make up thier mind. As the regs stand now either ELT is acceptable. I highlighted the good parts.

June 5, 2009

The Minister of Transport has decided to pursue further consultations with stakeholders on the proposed emergency locator transmitter regulations. These additional consultations will serve to ensure all viable solutions are considered and discussed before the new regulations are published.

Updates on this matter will be made available on the Transport Canada website at the following address:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/regse ... c/menu.htm

Transport Canada invites you to consult these web pages on a regular basis for any updates.

Transport Canada remains dedicated to providing a viable transportation system that is safe and secure. Through the continuing stakeholder consultations, the department hopes to find a way forward for emergency locator transmitter legislation that meet the needs of pilots and the travelling public alike.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

February 2, 2009

Further to the recent insert with the Aviation Safety Letter, Transport Canada wishes to advise stakeholders that the current ELT regulation CARS 605.38 is still in effect with respect to the regulatory requirements for the carriage of a 121.5MHz ELT.

The original proposed effective date for the new regulation will be delayed pending publication in Canada Gazette part II. Therefore, until such time as the new regulation comes into effect, the requirements as currently stated in 605.38 are still in effect for all aircraft operating in Canadian airspace.proposed transition period for the new regulation will not take effect until the new regulation comes into effect.






Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Update!

The question of emergency locator transmitter (ELT) installation has been getting a lot of attention over the last few months so we thought that this would be a good time to update you.

Prior to installing an ELT in a Canadian aircraft, the installer must confirm that the ELT has been approved by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and has been certified by Industry Canada. TCCA does require that the ELT manufacturer make application for approval of their ELT to TCCA even if the unit has received Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or a ETSOA from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Once Canadian requirements set out in section 551.104 of the Airworthiness Manual (AWM) have been met, a letter is issued to the manufacturer and provided to Industry Canada so that they can initiate their certification activities. Once Industry Canada completes their activities, the ELT is listed in their Radio Equipment List and is added to our list of approved ELTs.

You can find a list of approved ELTs on the Transport Canada web site at:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/certification/elt.htm

This list exists as reference material to identify those ELTs that are acceptable for installation in Canadian aircraft. You should note that while an ELT may be listed on our web site this does not confer installation approval.

If you have possession of an ELT that does not appear in this list, then that ELT is not acceptable for use in Canada. You should advise the manufacturer or supplier of the ELT that they should make application for a Canadian approval for the ELT.

So what about installing the ELT?

For an ELT to be installed in a Canadian aircraft, the installer is responsible for determining whether the installation will be a major modification or not. The following criteria can be used to help determine the type of technical data that will be required for the installation according to the interpretation in section 101.01 of Subpart 1 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) and of Standard 571.06 of the AWM:

Replacement of a 121.5/243.0 MHz ELT with a 406/121.5 MHz ELT without changes to existing related systems (remote switch, indication light, navigation inputs, etc.) would be a minor modification.
First-time installation of a stand-alone ELT of any kind would be a minor modification.

Replacement of a stand-alone ELT of any kind by one that is integrated with other systems, or first-time installation of an ELT that is integrated with other systems where the other systems concerned are used for the operation of the aircraft in flight (e.g., flight management systems, global positioning system information, etc.) would be a major modification. If the installation instructions included appropriate and relevant information about the interface with the other equipment, including means to verify proper operation, that would constitute specified data.
If the modification were assessed to be major, then a design approval would be required to create the appropriate approved data should the appropriate specified data not exist. It should be noted that even if specified data were to exist, the installer remains responsible to ensure that they comply with the requirements of section 551.104 of the AWM.

Finally, information in respect of ELTs is being updated regularly so you should monitor the TCCA web sites so that you stay up-to-date on requirements or implementation dates. Two to be aware of are:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/general/406mhz.htm

http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/certification/elt.htm
Read these through and let me know if this is correct.
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ret
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by ret »

I do believe you are correct in your comments. No need to do anything provided you are still operating a 121.5 while outside the 25 mile mark of departing airport and it is installed/certified as regulated.
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ret
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by ret »

ELT Update

21 July 2009

by Kevin Psutka



COPA received the following statement from Transport Canada regarding the status of the ELT regulation:



“Transport Canada will recommend that the emergency locator transmitter regulations be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, pending a Treasury Board Secretariat meeting, which will take place sometime in the Fall 2009.? ??Once published, the regulations will require all aircraft used for commercial, private, or government-run operations to be equipped with either a 406 MHz ELT or an alternate means of emergency location approved by Transport Canada.



The regulations will provide for a transition period of two years to allow sufficient time for stakeholders to adhere to the new requirements.? ?



Aircraft engaged in non-commercial recreational aviation operations that are currently required to be equipped with an ELT, will be required to maintain their ELT. However, any aircraft not equipped with an ELT capable of broadcasting on the 406 MHz frequency will be required to retain their current ELT and also have on-board a placard that is visible to all passengers. The placard will inform passengers that the aircraft is not equipped with an ELT as recommended by international standards, which may contribute to delays in search and rescue operations. The regulations will provide for a transition period of 90 days to ensure compliance with the additional requirements.?”



This statement follows COPA’s efforts to stop the draft regulation, which was released to the Gazette I public consultation process, from ?going into law in Gazette II. The Transport Minister turned the draft back for more work and the above statement reflects this work and Transport Canada’s intent not to seek more consultation. It is important to note that the above statement is a statement of intent, not an announcement of the final regulation. The current draft is undergoing internal government review, including legal vetting, and may change again as it works its way through the internal process.



If the final version of the regulation fulfills this intent, privately registered recreational aircraft, including foreign registered aircraft, will be permitted a choice between a 406 ELT (TSO C126), an alternative means and 121.5 ELTs (TSO C91 or C91a).



If you have not converted to 406, please remember that satellite monitoring of 121.5 has ceased as of 1 February 2009 and you should consider carrying an alternative device, file and adhere to a flight plan and use flight following services whenever possible, as well as monitoring 121.5 MHz because this may be the only means of alerting for many of your fellow pilots. Even if you have converted to 406, you should consider additional measures to improve your chances of your distress being detected and then being found.


Just an update I found. No 406 you need to placard that fact. I wonder if you should also placard the fact that the 406 will probably have an 80% chance of failure as well. Sorry just venting. Disappointing to think I have to shell out so much money for something that is guaranteed not to work.
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ret
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Re: 406 ELT

Post by ret »

Got my placard ready. What do you think? :)



_____________________________________________
Passenger Warning
Pursuant to
Transport Canada Regulation
Please be informed that while you are a passenger
on this aircraft in the event of a crash the onboard
Elt 121.5 may or may not activate; but fear not as
this aircraft was not equiped with the most up to date
406 elt that has the same characteristics of the
currently installed elt. Have a nice flight.

_____________________________________________
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