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FAASTeam - FAASafety.gov
Termination of 121.5 MHz Beacons for Satellite Alerting is Coming Soon
Notice Number: NOTC0981
On 1 February 2009, the International Cospas-Sarsat [1][1] Organization
(U.S. included) will terminate processing of distress signals emitted
by 121.5 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). This means that
pilots flying aircraft equipped with 121.5 MHz ELTs after that date
will have to depend on pilots of over flying aircraft and or ground
stations monitoring 121.5 to hear and report distress alert signals,
transmitted from a possible crash site.
Why is this happening?
Although lives have been saved by 121.5 MHz ELTs, the downside has been
their propensity to generate false alerts (approximately 98 percent of
all 121.5 MHz alerts are false), and their failure to provide rescue
forces with timely and accurate crash location data. Both of which
actually delay rescue efforts and have a direct effect on an
individual's chance for survival. Rescue forces have to respond to all
121.5 MHz alerts to determine if they are real distress alerts or if
they are being generated by an interferer, an inadvertent activation
(by the owner) or equipment failure.
Is there an alternative?
Yes, the Cospas-Sarsat System (U.S. included) has been and will
continue processing emergency signals transmitted by 406 MHz ELTs.
These 5 Watt digital beacons transmit a much stronger signal, are more
accurate, verifiable and traceable to the registered beacon owner (406
MHz ELTs must be registered by the owner in accordance with Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) regulation). Registration allows the
search and rescue authorities to contact the beacon owner, or his or
her designated alternate by telephone to determine if a real emergency
exists. Therefore, a simple telephone call often solves a 406 MHz
alerts without launching costly and limited search and rescue
resources, which would have to be done for a 121.5 MHz alert. For these
reasons, the search and rescue community is encouraging aircraft owners
to consider retrofit of 406 MHz ELTs or at a minimum, consider the
purchase of a handheld 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) which can
be carried in the cockpit while continuing to maintain a fixed 121.5
MHz ELT mounted in the aircraft's tail.
Remember, after February 1, 2009, the world-wide Cospas-Sarsat
satellite system will no longer process 121.5 MHz alert signals. Pilots
involved in aircraft accidents in remote areas will have to depend on
pilots of over flying aircraft and or ground stations to hear emergency
ELT distress signals. For further information concerning the
termination of 121.5 MHz data processing visit [2]www.sarsat.noaa.gov
_______________________
[3][1] The Cospas-Sarsat Organization provides a satellite based
world-wide monitoring system that detects and locates distress signals
transmitted by Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs), Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons
(PLBs). The system includes space and ground segments which process the
signals received from the beacon source and forwards the distress alert
data to the appropriate RescueCoordinationCenter for action.
Address SARSAT inquiries to:
NOAA SARSAT
NSOF. E/SP3
4231 SuitlandRoad
Suitland, MD 20746
Phone: 301.817.4515
Toll free: 888.212.7283
Fax: 301.817.4565
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References
1. file://localhost/tmp/tmpKDz9L5.html#_ftn1
2. file://localhost/SPANS/www.sarsat.noaa.gov
3. file://localhost/tmp/tmpKDz9L5.html#_ftnref1
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5. http://www.faasafety.gov/
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