Introduction to 406 MHz ELTs
In the
early 1980s a new distress frequency of 406 MHz was introduced to
improve the ability to locate distress beacons and reduce the number of
searches initiated due to accidentally activated ELTs. The 406 MHz
transmission contains digital information including a unique identifier
enabling the search and rescue authority to attempt to contact the
registered owner of the beacon to determine whether the activation is a
false alarm. Initially the 406 MHz frequency supplemented the existing
121.5 MHz distress frequency monitored by the international authority, COSPAS-SARSAT. Beginning in 2009 however, only the 406 MHz distress
frequency will be monitored.
The
phase-out of 121.5 MHz frequency monitoring in 2009 by satellites will
render older ELTs such as the Pointer 3000-10 ineffective outside the
range of ground stations still monitoring this frequency. Many
countries, such as Russia and Japan, already mandate the installation of
406 MHz ELTs and they are required for commercial operations in the
European Union.
The ELT
Registration Database
The digital message transmitted by a 406 MHz ELT includes a unique
identification code, usually based on the tail number of the aircraft.
Contact information for the owner of the ELT is maintained in an
international database which associates this information with the
identification code. It is therefore important to register an ELT when
first purchased, and re-register each time the contact information
changes. Some countries require re-registration annually. Each country
has an authority managing ELT registration. In the United States the
organization is the NOAA and registration is available via the
NOAA WEB SITE. To find the registration
authority in other countries, visit the
COSPAS-SARSAT WEB SITE. Changes in ownership
or tail number of the aircraft may necessitate re-programming of the ELT
in addition to re-registration.
406 MHz ELT
Availability in Robinson Helicopters
RHC currently offers the A837-1 and C837-1 KANNAD 406 AF ELT
installations for the R22 and R44 respectively. The KANNAD 406 AF ELT
is similar in size and weight to the Pointer 3000-10 and mounts in a
similar location in the aft fuselage. The KANNAD 406 AF transmits on
406 MHz, 243 MHz and 121.5 MHz. As with current Pointer installations, a
remote activation switch is located in the cabin on the cyclic control
panel, and the antenna is located just aft of the mast fairing. More
information on the unit is available at the
