Transport Canada Civil Aviation has advised the Aircraft Electronics Association that the minister of transport, the Hon. John Baird, has decided TCCA should “pursue further consultation with industry on its 406 mHz ELT regulation.” TCCA had proposed the mandatory installation of 406 mHz emergency locator transmitters aboard Canadian-registered aircraft and foreign-registered aircraft operating in Canadian airspace, because of the withdrawal of Cospas/Sarsat monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT transmissions beginning Feb. 1 of this year. The regulations met with substantial opposition from general aviation groups in the United States and Canada.
The proposed regulations were worded in such a way that all Canadian aircraft would be required to carry a 406 MHz ELT, except for those specifically excluded, such as ultra-lights, training operations within 25 nm of an airport, flight tests and parachute operations. In addition, aircraft registered in other countries but operating in Canadian airspace would be subject to the same requirements.
TCCA will be forming a new technical committee to review the proposed regulation and alternative technologies, and it expects to convene the first meeting of this committee next month, the AEA was told.
The delay in implementing the regulation means that 406 MHz ELT carriage is not mandatory at this time. However, 406 MHz ELTs with 121.5 MHz capability, approved to TSO-C126 or C126a, may be installed to comply with the existing regulations for carriage of a 121.5 MHz ELT, the AEA advised.
For information: Ric Peri at [email protected] or 202-589-1144.
