History
2 Jun 2008
Project SS 08/03 - Operational and technical amendments for emergency locator transmitters (ELTs)
The project page and Status have been updated.
22 Feb 2008
Project SS 08/03 - Operational and technical amendments for emergency locator transmitters (ELTs)
This project has been approved and information is now available.
Project SS 08/03
Operational and technical amendments for emergency locator transmitters (ELTs)
Background
From 1 February 2009, the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system which detects emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) will no longer detect beacons which transmit only on 121.5/243 MHz. Instead, only beacons which transmit on frequency 406 MHz will be detected. This imminent ‘switchover’ has been known about, formally, since the year 2000.
At present, CAR 252A requires the carriage of 121.5 MHz ELTs for aircraft operating beyond 50NM from its point of departure (with the exception of high-capacity [38+ seats or payload > 4,200kg] RPT and charter, turbojet aircraft, single seat aircraft, balloons, airships, gliders). CAO 20.11 requires those aircraft required to carry life rafts for over water flights to be equipped with a 121.5/243 MHz ELT. From July 2008, it is an ICAO requirement that all aircraft are to carry at least one 406 MHz beacon.
Purpose/Objectives
In order for ELTs to continue to be detected, CASA needs to amend the technical rules associated with the type of ELT that operators must use. If the requirement to have a 121.5/243 MHz ELT is not amended to require a 406 MHz ELT, these beacons will not be detected beyond 1 February 2009. This is a serious safety issue.
This project will amend CAR252A and CAO20.11 in order to revise the standards and frequencies associated with ELTs.
Further details are available here
Status
Project approved by the Group General Managers of the General Aviation Operations and Air Transport Operations.
Project registered on 20 February 2008.
Exemption from CAR 252A and CAO20.11 to allow for the carriage and use of 406 MHz ELTs came into effect on 31 May 2008.
Drafting of CAR 252A and CAO 20.11 amendments underway.
Project management
Project sponsor: Greg Vaughan and Rob Graham Acting GGM ATOG
RDMB Programme Manager: John Grima
Project Leader: Nick Strange
Project priority
High
Contact details
Email: Nick Strange