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.
The FAA minimum requirement for an aircraft with more than ONE seat is to have a TSO-C91A ELT on a new installation IAW (In Accordance With) FAR 91.207.
Is this for certified AND experimental?
If you even think you might install a 406, you will probably have to run some wires from your GPS's serial output to the new ELT, so plan ahead.
I did not take this into account when I built my -9 and to install one means I will have to drill out the rivets in my baggage compartment to run the wires.That means it won't happen until the prices come down, which is happening, I want to take the plane out of the country, and/or they are mandated.
az_gila;253031 - "All will need some sort of wiring link to a pilot's annunciator panel. " said:Accuracy is improved with the GPS, but it's much better than the old 121.5 units, even without the GPS data.
The advantage of 406+gps vs 406 no-GPS is more than just accuracy.
The main advantage of 406+GPS, to my mind, is the speed of dispatch of search and rescue, plus the much better accuracy of where you are.
With 406 no-gps , they don't get any useful location at all for mostly 1-2 hours - they get an indication of who you are and you are in trouble immediately by geosynchronous sat, but location relies on next pass of low earth orbit sat to get a doppler location on 406 signal.
With 406+gps the geosynchronous satimmediately gets a location as soon as the first signal is received.
John
If it goes off....The main advantage of 406+GPS, to my mind, is the speed of dispatch of search and rescue, plus the much better accuracy of where you are...
Every 406 beacon (ie those with or without GPS, ELT or PLB) have a 121.5 beacon as well. Rescue home on the 121.5 when they get close to position the 406 location has been calculated to be. (Hope this makes sense - slightly convoluted English sentence).
I assume the 406 signal is also continuously sent as it would make more sense to do so, but I stand to be corrected.
John
Robert,Just got one delivered today, an ACK E-01 ELT. If it gets outlawed then I've wasted $150 (shipping included) if not, then I've saved $850. The price will come down and the savings won't be as great if I need to buy a new one...