Compulsory Carriage of ELT / PLB

[Cylinder Head]

August sees the implementation of EASA Part NCO. This requires even small helicopters to carry a PLB.
See https://www.flyer.co.uk/easa-part-nco-explained/.


Another example of EASA applying criteria catering for the worst case scenario across the board which is dis-proportionate to the risk for the majority of flights.


Cost of compliance and administration of the requirement has not been properly assessed in my view.


Let's hear what the Red Tape review board think!

[[email protected]]

I would rather they had mandated every flying vehicle to have a working transponder - that would include hang and para gliders, microlights and ALL gliders (not FLARM as it doesn't show on TCAS).

[Hughes500]

Cylinder

What a load of Bollocks you talk, if you can't afford £ 230 for a handheld ELT then quite frankly you shouldn't be flying. Bit like insurance expensive until you need it ! Flying across mid Wales last week as a customer said I can't see any form of human existence other than a few tracks through some forests. So engine goes bang you make a landing having not put out a Mayday ( which is easy to do as most helicopters fly within 1500 ft of the ground or about 45 seconds until on the ground ) but are injured, were do you get help ? Phone a friend ( if you have a signal )
I can only assume you value your life and those you fly with at £ 230:ugh:

[Cylinder Head]

Hughes- No need for profanity please refrain. However you miss my point of proportionality. Of course when flying across uninhabited Wales a PLB makes sense and £ 230 is a small price to pay. However making it compulsory to carry one on circuit details and even hovering training is a bit over the top in my opinion. Pilots should be capable of assessing when their flight requires such a precaution and when it is clearly unnecessary.


I agree with Crab - a transponder (which many aircraft have already) squawking 7700 does the same job and other advantages.




- don't forget drones Crab they should carry them too.

[tistisnot]

We have heard these kind of arguments before; and many would still say an ELT/PLB outside of the airfield/zone needs to be switched to EMERG mode physically or automatically - and sadly the fact is that automation has failed in many non-survivable accidents. If the purpose of the alert is to send rescue services, then the better option is by far a satellite tracking system (3 min, whatever) - you just follow the track to where it stops! The system should have no cb available to the crew inflight, and of course someone would have to monitor it.

[Cylinder Head]

Just found out that there is a related thread in the Private Flying Forum

Who is responsible for supplying the PLB?


CH

[helimutt]

- don't forget drones Crab they should carry them too.

Why? So if a drone carries a transponder, relative speeds and sizes would make it unlikely that a visual sighting could occur before impact anyway, and surely it would just add so many more contacts onto an already busy TCAS screen ??? Drones should only be operated by trained operators and those with permits to do so.

[Hughes500]

Cylinder
Point taken but I am afraid still the same argument.

[jayteeto]

The problem here is that you are all applying sense to the situation. Of course YOU would carry a plb at the appropriate time. Most of you already do; there is no need for the legislation.

However, put yourself in the chair of the regulator........

This rule is probably being introduced because, in some countries, people can't be trusted to be sensible. A blanket requirement ensures compliance..... Only those diehard idiots being targeted will still not carry one!

When I left the military, I always felt naked flying without a PLB, even for circuits......

[EN48]

a transponder (which many aircraft have already) squawking 7700 does the same job

Nowhere close! While a transponder squawking 7700 may be useful, it does not give position and may cease to operate or provide useful info at low altitude or on the ground. PLB is for different purposes and serves those purposes far better than a transponder, IMO. We have a PLB for each seat in the helo - about the cost of a tank of fuel.

[helicopter-redeye]

So if an aircraft transponder set to 7700 does not give a location how do I see aircraft with 7700 set flying a destination alternative or return to departure on Flight Radar 24?

[Martin_Baker]

So if an aircraft transponder set to 7700 does not give a location how do I see aircraft with 7700 set flying a destination alternative or return to departure on Flight Radar 24?

The 7700 just broadcasts that an in flight emergency is occurring. ADS-B is providing position, direction, speed and altitude data. And the ADS-B won't tell the world where the aircraft is after loss of aircraft electrical power resulting from engine shut-down or impact with the ground.

[XX514]

So if an aircraft transponder set to 7700 does not give a location how do I see aircraft with 7700 set flying a destination alternative or return to departure on Flight Radar 24?Perhaps because its not "at low altitude or on the ground" - RTFQ!