pitts_pilot(at)bellsouth. Guest
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Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 3:59 am Post subject: FAA reminder of the change to 406 MHz ELTs, in case you're |
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Just my two pennies, but here's the way I look at it:
The only difference in the present ELT arena will be loss of satellite detection in 2009. I'm not sure if there were many (if any) 'saves' through an ELT/satellite link, but the general consensus (from what I'm hearing) is that an ELT by itself just doesn't save lives. It was a great idea, but poor execution. We've lived with this system without really thinking about it.
The EPIRBs that boaters have been using for decades work a whole lot better ...... but you have to manually set one off unless you crash into a lake as they're water activated ..... and they have to be able to float to the surface to work. They won't work on the bottom of the lake.
So, to answer your question ..... I probably won't do anything different than I am now. If I really become more concerned that something will happen over severe mountainous or wooded terrain .... or really remote places ..... like Fossett ...... then I might invest in a personal EPIRB. AOPA is pushing to have the transfer to 406Mhz voluntary Vs. mandatory like the ELT because of the impact on production and peoples wallets. I agree. When the Gov't mandates equipment, we seem to get minimalist crap that doesn't work out like they predict. The ELT fiasco is a prime example.
ADS-B might make things a little better, but to answer another posted question about aircraft that stop at something other than an airport ..... we have seaplanes, helicopters, hunters/fishers that do this all the time, so that won't work.
Bottom line, if the price of locaters of any flavor don't come way down then I guess we're stuck with mandated ELTs and a system that we probably won't notice any change in when the satellites quit listening.
Linn
do not archive
Patrick ONeill wrote:
[quote] Message I was actually thinking about this the other day. What are builders installing right now? TSO-C91a (121.5mhz/243mhz) or TSO-C126 (406mhz)?
As I understand it C91a still satisfies FAR 91.207 but will be of limited utility after Feb 1, 2007. I am curious as to what other builders are installing.
I haven't purchased one yet but was planning on a C126 unit. They are all expensive and prices range widely. Does anyone have make/model recommendations for C126 devices?
Best Regards,
Patrick #40715
[b]
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