ELT Message From FAA

Termination of 121.5 MHz Beacons for Satellite Alerting is Coming Soon
Notice Number: NOTC0981

On 1 February 2009, the International Cospas-Sarsat [1] Organization
(U.S. included) will terminate processing of distress signals emitted by
121.5 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). This means that pilots
flying aircraft equipped with 121.5 MHz ELTs after that date will have
to depend on pilots of over flying aircraft and or ground stations
monitoring 121.5 to hear and report distress alert signals, transmitted
from a possible crash site.



Why is this happening?



Although lives have been saved by 121.5 MHz ELTs, the downside has been
their propensity to generate false alerts (approximately 98 percent of
all 121.5 MHz alerts are false), and their failure to provide rescue
forces with timely and accurate crash location data. Both of which
actually delay rescue efforts and have a direct effect on an
individual's chance for survival. Rescue forces have to respond to all
121.5 MHz alerts to determine if they are real distress alerts or if
they are being generated by an interferer, an inadvertent activation (by
the owner) or equipment failure.



Is there an alternative?



Yes, the Cospas-Sarsat System (U.S. included) has been and will continue
processing emergency signals transmitted by 406 MHz ELTs. These 5 Watt
digital beacons transmit a much stronger signal, are more accurate,
verifiable and traceable to the registered beacon owner (406 MHz ELTs
must be registered by the owner in accordance with Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) regulation). Registration allows the
search and rescue authorities to contact the beacon owner, or his or her
designated alternate by telephone to determine if a real emergency
exists. Therefore, a simple telephone call often solves a 406 MHz alerts
without launching costly and limited search and rescue resources, which
would have to be done for a 121.5 MHz alert. For these reasons, the
search and rescue community is encouraging aircraft owners to consider
retrofit of 406 MHz ELTs or at a minimum, consider the purchase of a
handheld 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) which can be carried in
the cockpit while continuing to maintain a fixed 121.5 MHz ELT mounted
in the aircraft's tail.



Remember, after February 1, 2009, the world-wide Cospas-Sarsat satellite
system will no longer process 121.5 MHz alert signals. Pilots involved
in aircraft accidents in remote areas will have to depend on pilots of
over flying aircraft and or ground stations to hear emergency ELT
distress signals. For further information concerning the termination of
121.5 MHz data processing visit www.sarsat.noaa.gov


_____

[1] The Cospas-Sarsat Organization provides a satellite based world-wide
monitoring system that detects and locates distress signals transmitted
by Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs), Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). The system
includes space and ground segments which process the signals received
from the beacon source and forwards the distress alert data to the
appropriate RescueCoordinationCenter for action.



Address SARSAT inquiries to:

NOAA SARSAT
NSOF. E/SP3
4231 SuitlandRoad
Suitland, MD 20746
Phone: 301.817.4515
Toll free: 888.212.7283
Fax: 301.817.4565

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