Air
From July 1 2008, all
Don’t Delay.
With over 3300 aircraft to be upgraded to 406MHz and only a handful of qualified installers, there is a real risk of missing the deadline and being grounded if you leave it too late!
What is an ELT?
Emergency Location Transmitters (ELT’s) are designed for aviation use. They are hard-wired into the aircraft. They are fitted to activate on impact or can be activated manually.
What kind of ELT do I need?
There is a wide range of ELTs available for use in the air. Some ELTs have GPS coordinates integrated into their signal, which dramatically improves their accuracy. This means your location can be identified by RCCNZ on the first contact with a satellite. Without GPS it would require two satellites to pick up your beacon signal, to resolve the ambiguity of the satellite positions. The time between satellite passes varies greatly, ranging between 20 minutes and 4.5 hours.
In some situations you could also use a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). PLBs are small enough to fit in your pocket and are activated manually. They are also available either as standard models or with the addition of GPS. This information serves as a guideline only. You will need to discuss your ELT requirements with your aircraft maintainer.
Civil Aviation ELT Rule Synopsis
Aircraft (General)
From 1 July 2008, with certain exceptions, all
Aircraft (1 seat)
From 1 July 2008, one seat aircraft will not require a registered automatic 406MHz ELT if the pilot is carrying a registered 406MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter–Survival (ELT(S)), or a registered 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)*.
Gliders and Microlights
From 1 July 2008, gliders and microlights will not require a registered automatic 406MHz ELT if at least one (1) person is carrying a registered 406MHz (ELT(s)) or a registered 406MHz PLB*. A glider or powered aircraft, including a microlight, with no more than two (2) seats, is not required to have a registered automatic 406MHz ELT, an ELT(s) or a PLB, if they remain within 10 nm of their aerodrome but are strongly advised to at least carry a 406MHz PLB*.
Balloons
Manned free balloons are not required to be equipped with a 406MHz ELT or PLB but are strongly advised to at least carry a PLB.
Where should I keep it?
This depends on the type of beacon and where you are using it.
Aircraft:
ELTs come with a mounting bracket and should be mounted and permanently hard-wired into the aircraft. PLBs carried by the pilot should be readily accessible.
Keep the beacon away from:
◦ Equipment that may accidentally knock the activation switch
◦ Magnetic sources, such as microphones and radio speakers (some beacons are activated by a magnetic on/off switch).
◦ High water pressure.
◦ Children who may accidentally turn it on.
Note: If you are moving beacons, always make sure they are in the 'safe' or 'off' mode.
Both ELTs and PLBs should be checked before and after flight to ensure they have not been activated accidentally.
False alarms
Be aware of false alarms - beacons carried on aircraft can be activated automatically by shock when an aircraft makes a 'hard landing', taxies or is moved over a rough surface. If the beacon is accidentally activated, switch it off and advise RCCNZ immediately by ringing 0508 472 269. Remember there's no penalty but you can save considerable search effort by making an early phone call.
Maintenance
406MHz ELTs have to be tested and inspected every 12 months or 100 hours of air time. This is normally carried out from the cockpit. Because this test involves transmissions from the beacon it must not last longer than five seconds. PLBs should be tested and inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
What will happen with the 121.5MHz signal?
While the 121.5MHz signal will continue to be monitored by over flying aircraft and the frequency will still be used for directional purposes, from February 2009, 121.5MHz will NOT be monitored by satellites, so an alert may not be raised.
Don't buy a foreign 406!
Each country has an individual 406 code. When you purchase a 406MHz distress beacon, make sure it is coded for
Remember - you must register your new beacon.
This means Search and Rescue can contact you to verify an activation. This can improve search response time and help cut down on false alarms. Once your beacon is registered, you will need to keep your details up to date and notify the register if the beacon changes ownership. Registration is FREE. To register your beacon, call the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ on 0800 406 111 or 0508 406 111.
Click here for the 406 Distress Beacon Registration Form.
