Kitplanes Newsline » ELT

ELT Offers New 406 MHz ELT

Bill Repucci — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:21:12 +0000

Setting a new standard in 406 Mhz ELTs, the Emerging Lifesaving Technologies ELT406GPS comes with a blade style antenna that incorporates both the ELT and GPS antenna. This ELT incorporates an integral GPS receiver, thus there is no requirement to connect the unit to your aircraft GPS receiver. Emerging Lifesaving Technologies has reviewed ELT failure modes and designed its G switch to limit false alarms while improving activation reliability. Sized about the same as any of the current D cell GPS units currently available on the market, the 2.7-pound, $1595 unit contains a proprietary long-life battery that boasts a two and a half year shelf life and improved signal broadcast life. A rubber ducky antenna is a $100 option and when used, turns the ELT406GPS into a personal locator beacon (PLB).

The big news with the ELT is the simple panel-mounted switch that can verify the signal is being sent properly and incorporates a battery life monitor. Expect to spend $200 every two and half years for the owner/operator replaceable battery. No 121.5 transmitter is included in the ELT406GPS, which means that depending on the FCC’s final ruling on the issue, this unit may not have to be replaced in the future.

For more information, call 888/406-ELT1 or visit www.elt406.net. You can also find Emerging Lifesaving Technologies’ display at Oshkosh AirVenture through August 1 at Building D, Booth 4039.

Kannad Announces 406 MHz ELT

Mary Bernard — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:28:44 +0000

Kannad Aviation has said that it is launching a new generation emergency locator transmitter (ELT), the

INTEGRA 406 GPS ELT. The INTEGRA operates on the international 406MHz satellite search and rescue system, and includes an internal GPS and 406MHz antenna, plus an internal battery.

According to Kannad, the INTEGRA offers the international flying community a number of benefits over the standard ELT including a fail-safe system, which in the event of ditching the aircraft or a crash landing resulting in considerable damage allows the INTEGRA, through its automatic activation, to still have the ability to transmit and send both the unique identifier and GPS position. Also, the pilot or crew may remove the ELT from the downed aircraft, as it will continue to transmit its lifesaving message even then.

The INTEGRA ELT can also be installed on certain models of aircraft without having to fit an expensive external antenna (national authorities’ rules and regulations permitting) and additional external GPS interface. This reduces cost and complexity for the aircraft owner.

Weighing 1.873 pounds and measuring 6.89 x 3.90 x 3.40 inches, the INTEGRA boasts a number of new features in a small, easy to install package. It transmits on both the international 406MHz satellite search and rescue system and on 121.5MHz for local direction finding.

The INTEGRA is available for installation on all types of aircraft, fixed wing (AF and AP versions) and helicopters (AF-H and AP-H versions). The INTEGRA is supplied as a kit and includes a universal mounting bracket, a remote control unit and additional connectors.

The internal battery life of the INTEGRA is six years and the transmission on 406MHz when activated is a minimum of 24 hours.

For more information, visit booths D4109/D4110 at Oshkosh AirVenture through August 1. You may also visit www.kannad.com.

*This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. It is not and may not be offered for sale or lease in the U.S. until such authorization is obtained.

The FCC Pushes for Elimination of 121.5 MHz ELTs

Marc Cook — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:39:42 +0000

The Federal Communication Commission on June 15 published its Third Report and Order. In it, the agency said that, “After reviewing the comments [prompted by an earlier order], we conclude that we should prohibit the certification, manufacture, importation, sale or continued use of 121.5 MHz ELTs. The USCG and NOAA, as well as other commenters, support a prohibition on any continued certification, manufacture, importation, sale or use of 121.5 MHz ELTs, for the reasons cited in the Second FNPRM. There is no dispute that 406.0-406.1 MHz ELTs are more accurate and reliable than 121.5 MHz ELTs, and minimize false alerts. We believe that if 121.5 MHz ELTs are no longer available, aircraft owners and operators will migrate to 406.0-406.1 MHz ELTs,and the advantages of 406.0-406.1 MHz ELTs will provide safety benefits for search and rescueteams as well as aircraft pilots, crew and passengers, while also preserving search and rescue resources for real emergencies. Were we to permit continued marketing and use of 121.5 MHz ELTS, on the other hand, it would engender the risk that aircraft owners and operators would mistakenly rely on those ELTs for the relay of distress alerts.”

The Aircraft Electronics Association said that, “The AEA was made aware of this issue only today (June 21, 2010), and has begun working with the FAA, FCC and other associations to allow for a timely transition to this new FCC prohibition without grounding thousands of general aviation aircraft. At this time, the AEA recommends members delay selling any new 121.5 MHz ELTs until further understanding of this new prohibition can be understood and a realistic timeline for transition can be established.”

To download the FCC’s order, click here.