121.5 Mhz vs 406 Mhz

[ATPMBA]

Is the 406 Mhz emergency frequency going to replace 121.5? Will searchers still scan for 121.5?

[BDiONU]

Do you mean for SAR beacons? I think 121.5 is going to be the voice channel for a long time to come.

BD

[ATPMBA]

Yes, I mean SAR beacons.

[BDiONU]

Originally Posted by ATPMBA

Yes, I mean SAR beacons.

I have no reason to believe that SARSAT and COSPAS etc. would ever switch off 121.5.

BD

[snips]

121.5

http://www.cospas-sarsat.org/MainPages/indexEnglish.htm
I think the Sat Postion Fixing Segment will be finished, not sure about homing though.

[BDiONU]

Originally Posted by snips

http://www.cospas-sarsat.org/MainPages/indexEnglish.htm

Ah! Thanks for the link, 1st Feb 2009 then.

BD

[Tinstaafl]

Doesn't necessarily mean the demise of 121.5 MHz - only that the *satellites* will no longer use that frequency. Still leaves voice comms & VHF homing using 121.5.

[Nocti]

According to the Lifeboat guys, 406 will be the frequency that the only freq that satellites will monitor, but 121.5 will remain in use by the lifeboats and SAR aircraft.

[rescue520]

From February 2009 the international satellite system (called Cospas-Sarsat) will no longer process the 121.5 signal. This will make all 121.5 beacons obsolete. Owners of the 121.5 beacon should work towards upgrading to the 406 at their next beacon battery changeover.

http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/