View Full Version : 406 mhz ELT
beerdrinker
7th Sep 2008, 08:02
Further to the French AIC A 10/08 (http://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/dossier/aicfrancea/AIC_A_2008_10_EN.pdf) which mandates the carriage of a 406 mhz ELT or PLB when flying in French Airspace wef Jan 2009. Those of you who want an ELT (or who fly an N registered aircraft which under FAR 91.207 must have a fixed ELT fitted) and have either the AK450 or E-01 ELT, might be interested to know that AmeriKing have released the AK 451 ELT which is a direct drop in replacement for the old AK450. Also ACK have a “late fall” release date for the 406 mhz E-04 ELT which is a direct replacement for the E-01 and uses the E-01’s mounting tray and its Antenna wiring installations.
Sounds like this, and the Artex ME-406, are the two favourites for getting 406MHz capability.
There is huge consternation about fitting 406 ELT's on US registered aircraft in the USA.
Yes, the FAA requires an ELT, and has for a very long time.
Most ELT's now fitted broadcast on 121.5 and 243 Mhz, and the FAA have clearly stated that a mandatory switchover to 406 ELT's will not be required for ops in the USA.
However, flying to Canada and Mexico are a different story.
The problem arises when one desires to fit a 406 ELT to replace an older model.
Under the TSO granted to the new 406 ELT manufacturers, a greatly beefed-up mounting plate is required, because the new ELT's mounting must withstand 100G's.
Oftentimes, a DER must be hired to design/approve the structural modifications necessary, for this 100G requirement to be met.
This ain't cheap.:ooh:
So, the portable units are selling like hotcakes at a Sunday breakfast airport fly-in.
Under the TSO granted to the new 406 ELT manufacturers, a greatly beefed-up mounting plate is required, because the new ELT's mounting must withstand 100G's.
Do you have a reference, 411A? I don't know any better myself but this kind of thing is going to be highly airframe dependent.
I've had silly-price quotes for installing a 406MHz unit too (N-reg), and amazingly silly prices quoted for the DER stuff (which is usually done by DER Associates (http://www.derassociates.com) for about $300), but it would not suprise me if your experience comes from a certain UK avionics shop whose way of working is well known in this business.
For example, the Artex ME-406 replaces the old ELT200 using (AIUI) the same mounting points, and no new bracket is needed.
FWIW, I have never heard of a 100G requirement, and if an ELT weighs say 1kg that is only a 100kg (1000N) of force which is nothing for a piece of 1.5mm aluminium.