406 MHz ELT?

Question

You gotta have an automatic 406 MHz ELT in your airplane starting on July 1 if you want to fly outside the U.S., according to ICAO (Annex 6, Part II, 6.12.5). I believe this can be a survival beacon, but I'm not really sure. I't can't be a PLB (personal locator beacon). Can it be an ELT that's part of a life raft? Anybody know about this one? We all better find out quick.

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

For one, there isn't enough 406MHz ELTs to equip the entire general aviation fleet.

Second, there aren't enough avionics repair shops to install them.

Here in Canada, we HAVE to have 406MHz ELTs on all aircraft by July 1, but there is just no way it is going to happen.  It's a case of pencil pushers making rules without realizing the actual state of the aviation and aviation's inability to comply whether it wants to or not.

Answer 2

The majority of aircraft are already in compliance with this rule.

And no, it cannot be part of a liferaft, it needs to be attached to the aircraft so that it goes off if the aircraft is involved in an accident.  It also cannot be a portable ELT.

Answer 3

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 4

This rule was written more than 10 years ago.  Seems like most small aircraft owners have had plenty of time to get into compliance with the new rule, but just like everything else, the vocal minority who have waited to the absolute last minute  will whine and cry until the Government backs off and extends the deadline again.