Changes are occurring to the requirements for the carriage of emergency locator transmitters (ELTs). From 1 February 2009, all ELTs must operate on frequencies 406 and 121.5 MHz. Many ELTs currently used in Australia operate on 121.5 and 243 MHz. These ELTs will become unusable after 1 February 2009.
Background
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR) currently require the carriage of an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) on most flights in Australian airspace. ELTs are distress beacons which are activated following an accident either automatically by embedded electronics, or manually by a pilot or other person. An active beacon is detected by orbiting satellites which transmit a signal to search and rescue coordinators. An internationally utilised service provider ‘Cospas-Sarsat’ is currently used in Australia to provide satellite-based ELT monitoring services. The ELT also emits a transmission on a frequency which can be detected, and homed in on, by overflying aircraft.
The Cospas-Sarsat system will cease processing the 121.5/243 MHz signals from distress beacons on 1 February 2009. Hence, only 406 MHz beacons will be identified by the Cospas-Sarsat system after 1 February 2009.
Cospas-Sarsat made the decision to cease satellite processing at 121.5 MHz in response to guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These United Nations organisations mandate safety requirements for aircraft and maritime vessels and have recognised the limitations of the 121.5 MHz beacons and the superior capabilities of the 406 MHz alerting system where the position of the distress can be relayed to rescue services more quickly, more reliably and with greater accuracy if coupled with GPS position data. While the 406 MHz transmission will be essential for satellite monitoring beyond 1 February 2009, a 121.5 MHz component of the transmission is still necessary to assist with the final homing of an activated beacon.
The use of 406/121.5 MHz ELTs now
Since the requirements contained in Civil Aviation Regulation 1988 (CAR) 252A and Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 20.11 prescribe specific standards and frequencies for the carriage and use of ELTs, CASA has developed a generic exemption to permit the use of more modern devices until the Regulation and Order are amended.
Exemption (effective 31 May 2008)
The new rules
It is CASA’s policy intent to require the carriage of ELTs to the same scope that currently applies. That is, the list of exempted aircraft contained in CAR 252A will remain exempt for the time being (this is being reconsidered during the development of the new Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) operational suite of regulations).
Provision for the use of 406/121.5 MHz portable emergency personal indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) and personal locator beacons (PLBs) will also remain in the new CAR 252A.
Another requirement will be that the 406/121.5 MHz ELT be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This is crucial for the proper operation of the ELT, and is a free service. More information about the registration process is available on the AMSA website or by calling (freecall) 1800 406 406.
Drafting of the new CAR 252A is underway in conjunction with the Attorney-General’s Department. A draft version of the new rule will become available on the CASA website well before its commencement date of 1 February 2009.