News
An Aircraft Needs A 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter When Flying Internationally
by Scott Burgess, released on Tuesday, July 08, 2008
The International Civil Aviation Organization requires that all general aviation aircraft flying internationally must be equipped with at least one (1) emergency locator transmitter that transmits on both 406 MHZ and 121.5 MHZ. Please contact Scott Burgess should you require additional information with regard to this requirement.
Canada has proposed, but not yet required, that aircraft flying within national airspace boundaries be equipped with fixed 406 MHz ELTs. So for now, U.S aircraft flying to and from Canada may have either 121.5 MHz or 406 MHz ELTs. Canada is planning a two-year conversion period for the new equipment after the new rules are set. AOPA will report changes as soon as the Canadian rule is finalized and published.
Mexico will allow U.S.-registered aircraft to continue using 121.5 MHz ELTs until July 1, 2009, or their next mandatory ELT battery replacement, whichever comes first. AOPA is working with officials in Mexico to determine ELT requirements after July 1. A letter of exemption from the Direccion General De Aeronautica Civil is posted online, and AOPA recommends that pilots who fly to Mexico carry a copy of the letter (written in Spanish) with them to avoid confusion among local officials.
Bahamas officials will allow U.S.-registered aircraft to continue flying there with 121.5 MHz ELTs until Feb 1, 2011, and then reevaluate. You should print the notice of exemption (http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/elt-exemption) and carry it to the Bahamas to present to officials, if needed.
Please contact Scott Burgess at scottb@aviationlegalgroup.com should you require additional information with regard to this requirement.
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