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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--
"If you think you can, or think you can't, you're right."
--Henry Ford

Typical FAA. The FAA probably needs more money for diversity
hiring and "Kissing the Black Ass" conferences at resort
spas in Las Vegas.

Can't allow that 121.5 ELT safety stuff to interfere with that!!


RST Engineering wrote:
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

You have received this notice from FAASafety.gov because you have
selected "General Information" in your preferences on your FAASafety.gov
account. Click here to log in and edit your preferences on
FAASafety.gov. https://www.faasafety.gov/SPANS/preferences.aspx

Safety is a learned behavior...Learn to be safer at the Learning Center
found on FAASafety.gov
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questions.

The FAA is the messenger here. The FAA is not the operator of the
satellite system.

Typical NoneYa. Spouting uninformed drivel at any opportunity without
regards to the facts at hand.

NoneYa wrote:
Typical FAA. The FAA probably needs more money for diversity hiring and
"Kissing the Black Ass" conferences at resort spas in Las Vegas.

Can't allow that 121.5 ELT safety stuff to interfere with that!!


RST Engineering wrote:

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

You have received this notice from FAASafety.gov because you have
selected "General Information" in your preferences on your FAASafety.gov
account. Click here to log in and edit your preferences on
FAASafety.gov. https://www.faasafety.gov/SPANS/preferences.aspx

Safety is a learned behavior...Learn to be safer at the Learning Center
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In rec.aviation.owning RST Engineering wrote:
Termination of 121.5 MHz Beacons for Satellite Alerting is Coming Soon
Notice Number: NOTC0981

We all knew (or should have) this was coming.

Anyone know current prices on the 400 MHz replacements?

The annual is due this month, and assuming no surprises:

Option 1: Replace the ELT now.

Option 2: Upgrade something else and wait until next year and hope
the prices go down.

--
Jim Pennino

Remove .spam.sux to reply.

On 9/6/2007 6:34:59 PM, wrote:

Anyone know current prices on the 400 MHz replacements?

I had to replace my ELT about four months ago and at the time the only 400MHz
ELT that I could locate was Artex's model. The price back in May was around
US $1,100 for the unit.

After a phone conversation with an ACK representative and given that I carry
a McMurdo handheld PLB with GPS in the aircraft, I opted to purchase an ACK
E-01 121.5 MHz for US $210 and wait for their 400 MHz unit, which is supposed
to be significantly cheaper than Artex's unit and will drop right into the
same mounting bracket as the E-01.

--
Peter

"Peter R." wrote:

On 9/6/2007 6:34:59 PM, wrote:

Anyone know current prices on the 400 MHz replacements?

I had to replace my ELT about four months ago and at the time the only 400MHz
ELT that I could locate was Artex's model. The price back in May was around
US $1,100 for the unit.

After a phone conversation with an ACK representative and given that I carry
a McMurdo handheld PLB with GPS in the aircraft, I opted to purchase an ACK
E-01 121.5 MHz for US $210 and wait for their 400 MHz unit, which is supposed
to be significantly cheaper than Artex's unit and will drop right into the
same mounting bracket as the E-01.

--
Peter

I also have the McMurdo Fastfind Plus PLB.

Ron Lee

I got a McMurdo Fastfind Plus PLB about 2 years ago because I was going to
be flying over the same Nevada countryside where SF disappeared. I'll
upgrade to a 406 MHz ELT as suggested by FAA. No need to die while waiting
for someone to hear a 121.5 beacon.

--
Best Regards,
Mike

http://photoshow.comcast.net/mikenoel

A frog in a well does not know the great sea.
"Ron Lee" wrote in message
...
"Peter R." wrote:

On 9/6/2007 6:34:59 PM, wrote:

Anyone know current prices on the 400 MHz replacements?

I had to replace my ELT about four months ago and at the time the only
400MHz
ELT that I could locate was Artex's model. The price back in May was
around
US $1,100 for the unit.

After a phone conversation with an ACK representative and given that I
carry
a McMurdo handheld PLB with GPS in the aircraft, I opted to purchase an
ACK
E-01 121.5 MHz for US $210 and wait for their 400 MHz unit, which is
supposed
to be significantly cheaper than Artex's unit and will drop right into the
same mounting bracket as the E-01.

--
Peter

I also have the McMurdo Fastfind Plus PLB.

Ron Lee

Not too long ago, a friend of mine had an off airport landing in his
helicopter, better make that a crash. His helicopter was destroyed on a
hill with a direct line of sight to the local airport. He suffered only a
sprain but had to walk out several miles to get cell phone coverage. All
this time the ELT was pinging away. When we got to the crash site several
hours later, we turned the ELT off. No one responded to the ELT signal. It
seems that he had been carrying around a device that is normally ignored due
to its false alarm rate. Since the ELTs are not required on aircraft, just
airplanes, I've removed mine and depend on the cell phone and my legs. I
think that my friends ELT provided just a false sense of security and in his
particular case, nothing else.

--
Stuart & Kathryn Fields, Publishers
Experimental Helo magazine
P. O. Box 1585
Inyokern, CA 93527
(760) 377-4478 ph
(760) 408-9747 publication cell
(760) 608-1299 technical cell
www.experimentalhelo.com
www.vkss.com


"Mike Noel" wrote in message
...
I got a McMurdo Fastfind Plus PLB about 2 years ago because I was going to
be flying over the same Nevada countryside where SF disappeared. I'll
upgrade to a 406 MHz ELT as suggested by FAA. No need to die while waiting
for someone to hear a 121.5 beacon.

--
Best Regards,
Mike

http://photoshow.comcast.net/mikenoel

A frog in a well does not know the great sea.
"Ron Lee" wrote in message
...
"Peter R." wrote:

On 9/6/2007 6:34:59 PM, wrote:

Anyone know current prices on the 400 MHz replacements?

I had to replace my ELT about four months ago and at the time the only
400MHz
ELT that I could locate was Artex's model. The price back in May was
around
US $1,100 for the unit.

After a phone conversation with an ACK representative and given that I
carry
a McMurdo handheld PLB with GPS in the aircraft, I opted to purchase an
ACK
E-01 121.5 MHz for US $210 and wait for their 400 MHz unit, which is
supposed
to be significantly cheaper than Artex's unit and will drop right into
the
same mounting bracket as the E-01.

--
Peter

I also have the McMurdo Fastfind Plus PLB.

Ron Lee

wrote:
In rec.aviation.owning RST Engineering wrote:
Termination of 121.5 MHz Beacons for Satellite Alerting is Coming Soon
Notice Number: NOTC0981

We all knew (or should have) this was coming.

Anyone know current prices on the 400 MHz replacements?

In typical Aviaton style, inordinately expensive. A top of the line
water activated, GPS enabled, marine EPIRB is $1000. The minimum
LEGAL replacement for the old TSOC C91 elts is $1600 or so (there
are some cheaper ones but they lack the G switch). If you want the
NAV reporting feature, it will cost you $3600 and you have to provide
the GPS elsewhere in the plane.

On Sep 7, 6:08 am, Ron Natalie wrote:
wrote:
In rec.aviation.owning RST Engineering wrote:
Termination of 121.5 MHz Beacons for Satellite Alerting is Coming Soon
Notice Number: NOTC0981

We all knew (or should have) this was coming.

Anyone know current prices on the 400 MHz replacements?

In typical Aviaton style, inordinately expensive. A top of the line
water activated, GPS enabled, marine EPIRB is $1000. The minimum
LEGAL replacement for the old TSOC C91 elts is $1600 or so (there
are some cheaper ones but they lack the G switch). If you want the
NAV reporting feature, it will cost you $3600 and you have to provide
the GPS elsewhere in the plane.

The regs do not require replacement of the ELT 121.5 units... Save
your money, install new batteries at the annual, and keep on
trucking...

denny