ELTs

[N18040]

This one is half that price and it's a Direct Replacement for a 121.5 ELT.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/elt406.php

Too bad it isn't certified. Hopefully they don't jack up the price when the paperwork comes through.

 

[fholbert]

Too bad it isn't certified. Hopefully they don't jack up the price when the paperwork comes through.

Sounds like it just weeks from being certified?

 

[N18040]

Sounds like it just weeks from being certified?

All I know about it is what was listed on the Aircraft Spruce link you provided, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if they inflated the price once it is certified. Honestly that doesn't look like a bad price at all to me to switch over to the 406 ELT, and it looks like a very simple switch.

 

[TFaudree_ERAU]

Most gliders are not certified with an electrical system, thus they do not require ELT's/Transponders.

Not questioning you regarding glider rules, but since when did an ELT require an electrical system? It runs off of it's own battery.

 

[fholbert]

All I know about it is what was listed on the Aircraft Spruce link you provided, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if they inflated the price once it is certified. Honestly that doesn't look like a bad price at all to me to switch over to the 406 ELT, and it looks like a very simple switch.

Here is more info http://www.ackavionics.com/406 Page.html

 

[darrenf]

This one is half that price and it's a Direct Replacement for a 121.5 ELT.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/elt406.php

Sounds like you will also have to have your GPS feed that one location data, so there goes the cost savings unless you are already wired for that.

 

[mooneyguy]

Our government in their infinite wisdom! The rule says elt's, that operate on 121.5 mhz are prohibited. the 406's ALSO use the 121.5mhx freq, so their rule also prohibits the use of the 406mhz...as it currently stands!

 

[USMCmech]

I predict a retraction PDQ.


That said, I wouldn't put much faith at all in your ELT. A GPS equipped PLB like the SPOT tracker is a MUCH more capable means of summoning help. I'd much prefer the SAR team get my exact location vs have to hunt down a beeping radio.

Mike, since you deal with this frequently, what are your thoughts?

 

[trafficinsight]

You can feed a GPS location to a 406MHz ELT but you don't have to. You do have to register it so that when it goes off they know who it belongs to. The GPS location will make it much easier to find you, of course.

Part 91 says that you need an ELT, it doesn't say what type.

406 ELT's must meet the requirements of TSO C-126, 121.5/243 ELT's must meet TSO C-91a. TSO C-126 says nothing about transmitting on 121.5 MHz. Some companies made hybrid ELT's that did both, but if the rule goes through you'll probably have to send your ELT back to them so that the 121.5 part of it can be disabled. Or buy a new one.

 

[trafficinsight]

I predict a retraction PDQ.


That said, I wouldn't put much faith at all in your ELT. A GPS equipped PLB like the SPOT tracker is a MUCH more capable means of summoning help. I'd much prefer the SAR team get my exact location vs have to hunt down a beeping radio.

Mike, since you deal with this frequently, what are your thoughts?

They will probably just take out the "or use of" part of it I'd bet.

It won't last though, nor should it in my opinion.

 

[fholbert]

Some companies made hybrid ELT's that did both,

Actually 121.5 transmissions, ELT or voice, harmonic onto 243.0. It's made to work that way.

 

[trafficinsight]

Actually 121.5 transmissions, ELT or voice, harmonic onto 243.0. It's made to work that way.

Yeah all 121.5 ELT's do that.

 

[JulietBravo]

You would think the FCC would go and talk to the FAA or at least the DOT before pulling something like this.

O wait.. this is our government...