FCC Prohibition on Sale/Use of 121.5 ELTs
Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 3:51 am
'For those of you that haven't heard yet:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) June 15 released the notice
of a rule prohibiting the "certification, manufacture, importation,
sale, or continued use of 121.5 MHz ELTs." The rule would suddenly
make aircraft that are in full compliance with the federal aviation
regulations in violation of federal communications law.
14 CFR Part 91.207
currently requires
aircraft to carry a fixed ELT, but does not specify either 121.5 or 406
MHz. The FCC's change to 47 CFR Part 87
would outlaw the use of the former?effectively forcing general
aviation aircraft owners to buy the 406 MHz ELT. The rule would go into
effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. AOPA is
aggressively pursuing all options to have the FCC and FAA delay and
re-evaluate the rule, highlighting the economic and operational impact
to the more than 220,000 aircraft in the GA fleet, most of whom still
carry the 121.5 MHz ELTs.
http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2010/100621elt.html
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FCCProposesBanOn1215ELTs_Updated_20\
2771-1.html
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-103A1.pdf
As a side note, the current 406 MHz ELTs are dual band meaning they
transmit on 121.5 MHz as well. The current wording would make them
illegal to use as well. I highly expect the wording to be changed but
if the FCC has their hearts set on eliminating 121.5 ELTs, we could see
a requirement to switch much sooner than the previously proposed 2020
deadline.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]'
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) June 15 released the notice
of a rule prohibiting the "certification, manufacture, importation,
sale, or continued use of 121.5 MHz ELTs." The rule would suddenly
make aircraft that are in full compliance with the federal aviation
regulations in violation of federal communications law.
14 CFR Part 91.207
currently requires
aircraft to carry a fixed ELT, but does not specify either 121.5 or 406
MHz. The FCC's change to 47 CFR Part 87
would outlaw the use of the former?effectively forcing general
aviation aircraft owners to buy the 406 MHz ELT. The rule would go into
effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. AOPA is
aggressively pursuing all options to have the FCC and FAA delay and
re-evaluate the rule, highlighting the economic and operational impact
to the more than 220,000 aircraft in the GA fleet, most of whom still
carry the 121.5 MHz ELTs.
http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2010/100621elt.html
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FCCProposesBanOn1215ELTs_Updated_20\
2771-1.html
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-103A1.pdf
As a side note, the current 406 MHz ELTs are dual band meaning they
transmit on 121.5 MHz as well. The current wording would make them
illegal to use as well. I highly expect the wording to be changed but
if the FCC has their hearts set on eliminating 121.5 ELTs, we could see
a requirement to switch much sooner than the previously proposed 2020
deadline.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]'