Emergency Locator Transmitter / Personal Locator Beacon changes
There is a change to ELTs / PLBs channel and Satellite tracking. Check out the CAA website on:
http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=14&pagetype=65&appid=7&newstype=
From 1st Feb 2009 the 'old' 121.5MHz frequency will not be picked up by satellite (but see the note below). The CAA and other NAAs are encouraging the new 406MHz transmitters (they are registered). One main advantage of the new frequency is the reduction in false alerts and the ability to contact you if 'your' beacon is activated (hence the registration). Look out for more news on this subject from CAA, GASCo and LAA.
Note: The 121.5 will still be used for communications and if your beacon goes off, its location will (eventually) be known from the GPS co-ordinates. If it has a voice option on 121.5 the rescuers will be able to talk to you as they arrive. If not on voice, then the final distance may still be worked out using 121.5. The main thing is that the satellites will only be picking up 406 starting next year, so your 121.5 transmitter may take a great deal longer to be found.
Pete Harvey
CEO LAA
13.10.08