Frequently Asked Questions
What’s wrong with my old ELT?
Most aircraft (over 400,000) world-wide are equipped with a 121.5 ELT. There are many reasons they are no longer recommended for aircraft use. Most importantly is that Cospas-Sarsat satellites stopped monitoring 121.5 in February of 2009. (See our Regulatory Information page for more details.)
Older ELTs are equipped with very low power transmitters, 25 milliwatts versus 5 watts on new 406 ELTs. They provide limited range and poor accuracy for the SAR teams dispatched to your location. The old 121.5 ELT’s were also prone to a high degree of false alerts: Only 2 out of 1000 alerts have proved to be actual emergencies over the years.
When will I be forced to upgrade to the new 406?
Currently the FAA has no plans to force everyone to change their aircraft. All ELT’s must undergo regular tests and maintenance. Many vendors report not having the parts to maintain the current fleet. As repairs are needed and battery replacements come due, aircraft owners will be forced to upgrade.
Another factor in the transition plan is the FCC’s Third Report and Order where they outline the prohibition of use, sale and manufacturing of all 121.5 ELTs.
Please see our Regulatory Information page for more details.
Isn’t someone monitoring my 121.5 ELT now?
Satellite monitoring of 121.5 was terminated in February of 2009. The system was highly inaccurate—providing positioning data somewhere between 12-15 NM.
It is true, however, that after 9/11, most commercial airliners tuned a second radio to 121.5 as a guard frequency for the FAA. They can hear your old signal but at 39,000 feet and 400+ mph the search area will be over 600 miles across. Some, but not all, FAA control towers can also pick up the 121.5 beacon. But remember, it is line-of-sight so distance is limited.
For every actual emergency there are 500 false alerts. It’s hard for search and rescue agencies to know what 121.5 transmission is a false signal and what transmission is a real emergency.
The reality of the situation is: no one is really listening.
How accurate is the current 406 system?
Cospas reports that 406 ELTs transmitting a short format message can provide accuracy to within 1-3 nm (2-5 km). This makes the search area approximately 25 sq. nm (65 sq. km) or about 3700 acres large. The accuracy is increased by multiple passes over your position by the satellite.
Please see our Why 406 with GPS page for more information.
How much more accurate are the GPS enhanced units?
406 ELTs equipped with GPS send a long message format that includes the latitude and longitude within 4 seconds (as in degrees>minutes>seconds) of the location. This gives you an accurate position of better than 300 feet.
Please see our Why 406 with GPS page for more information.
How tough is this unit?
See our Why Emerging Lifesaving Technologies page.
What kind of battery is installed?
We use the latest state-of-the-art batteries. They are three D-Cell Lithium Manganese Ion batteries molded into a single pack and secured to the a back cover of the ELT.
How long will they transmit?
We are required to supply a 24-hour battery. These have been tested in excess of 100 hours of continuous operation.
How often do I need them replaced?
Five years. Each unit will have a sticker installed noting when the battery must be replaced. An identical sticker is supplied with the unit to be placed in the log book as a reminder.
Where do I send the unit for new batteries?
The owner/operator or any A&P can change the batteries. A new pack comes mounted to a new bottom cover of the unit. Remove the ten screws from the old cover and install the new unit. A two pin quick disconnect plug makes replacement easy.
What is the cost of new batteries?
This battery is fairly new but has proven to be highly reliable and survivable. We expect the price to fall over the next few years. No one can say exactly what the cost will be in five years but today they are $200.
What do I do with the old batteries?
Always take care when disposing of batteries. Check with your local waste management authority for their guidelines. NEVER BURY OR BURN OLD ELECTRONICS OR BATTERIES.
What kind of warranty does the unit have?
Three years from the date of installation and warranty activation.
Who takes care of warranty any concerns?
All warranty concerns will be done at the manufacturer’s facility located in Texas.
What kind of wire do I use?
We do not recommend the use of phone cord or any other PVC wiring product. These products are not generally acceptable as airworthy. See our installation guide (PDF will be available soon) for acceptable Mil. Spec wire options.
Is there a remote?
The remote will fit most other manufacturers’ openings. With this remote you can run self-test or activate the unit in flight if conditions warrant. The self test looks at eight different functions such as antenna connectivity, operational status, GPS accuracy, and even has a patented battery life monitor to insure a minimum of 36 hours of transmission capability is available. See the troubleshooting guide in the install manual (PDF will be available soon) for complete details.
How do I know if I have set the unit off accidentally?
The cockpit mounted remote has an aural alert to let you know if the internal G-switch has activated the unit. There is a 50 second delay between activation and the “first burst” so using the remote switch the pilot can reset the ELT before it transmits. This helps reduce any false alerts.
How do I register the unit with Cospas Sarsat?
All 406 ELTs must be registered with Cospas-Sarsat. Each unit comes with a DVD that when placed in your computer will prompt you to fill out the registration form. The hex-code is automatically encoded into that form and will be transmitted along specific data about your aircraft and your contact information.
What is a hex code?
Each ELT has a specific 15 digit hex code that identifies your aircraft.
What if I move the unit to another aircraft?
You will need to re-register the unit with Cospas Sarsat.
How do I activate the warranty?
A DVD comes with each unit that will prompt warranty activation.
Can I put this in myself?
All 406 ELTs require that new antennas be installed on the aircraft. An A&P or other authorized person will determine if the installation of these components constitutes a major repair or alteration which many require, depending on your local FSDO, that a FAA form 337 be completed.
What kind of paperwork is required?
A DVD comes with each unit that will prompt unit registration, warranty activation, 337 compliance, and weight and balance change report.
When will they be available?
Q1 of 2011.
Where can I get one?
Click here to reach our online dealer locator.
How much does it cost?
The suggested price for the ELT with GPS is $1599.
Do you have a unit without GPS?
No.
Can I walk away from the aircraft with this unit?
Yes, we have a “rubber ducky” antenna that can be installed on the unit for operation out of the aircraft. A switch on the face of the unit mimics the remote switch on the panel. It is optional and available for $99 and will be available spring of 2011.
What about a GPS walk-out unit?
An optional GPS antenna is available and it has its own power supply as not to reduce internal battery life. It is optional and available for $150 and will be available spring of 2011.
What else is needed for installation?
Our ELTs come with an antenna, base plate, connectors and remote switch. Customer will supply wire, circuit breaker protection, and standard hardware.
What do I do with my old ELT?
Always take care when disposing of electronic equipment. Check with your local waste management authority for their guidelines. NEVER BURY OR BURN OLD ELECTRONICS OR BATTERIES.
Are they certified in Canada?
We expect to have Canadian approval in early 2011.
Are they certified by EASA?
We expect to have EASA approval in early 2001.