Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 12:09 AM - dead stick landing - not bad (nico css)
2. 06:52 AM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT (nico css)
3. 07:23 AM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT ()
4. 08:33 AM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT (Bruce Campbell)
5. 10:30 AM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT (Steve at Col-East)
6. 12:41 PM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT (Tom Fisher)
7. 01:03 PM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT (Bruce Campbell)
8. 01:22 PM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT ()
9. 01:38 PM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT (Bruce Campbell)
10. 01:50 PM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT ()
11. 02:06 PM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT (L D GIROD)
12. 02:08 PM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT (L D GIROD)
13. 02:54 PM - Re: 121.5 MHz ELT ()
Message 1
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Subject: | dead stick landing - not bad |
http://www.patricksaviation.com/videos/SUPERGT/3384/
Message 2
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Writing another book, Andrew?
By the way, we never got a copy of your previous one featuring Commanders.
I'd like to buy one if I know where to find it.
Thanks
Nico
_____
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
andrew.bridget@telus.net
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:27 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related, so
forgive me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older 121.5 MHz
ELTs work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I understand they are (or
supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading and transmit an emergency
signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite
system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the ELTs transmit an identifying
code? If so, what is it? The airplane's registration? Next, how do the
search teams - say the good people at CASARA - locate the downed aircraft?
Would the signal be picked up by an ADF, for example, and triangulated to
pinpoint a search location? Tom Fisher, would you be able to help here? How
does a CASARA search get organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody
manning the frequency? What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
Message 3
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Subject: | Re: 121.5 MHz ELT |
Actually, yes. Two books, in fact - "God's Orphan", which is our journey
in adopting our daughter from China, and "Dragon in the Sky", a sequel
to "Where Vultures Roost". The question first came up in a discussion
with a colleague, and when I wrote this last night I thought that maybe
I should include such an event in "Dragon in the Sky" . Or maybe not.
We'll see.
Re where to get the book from, you can order it online from Barnes &
Noble or the publisher (Publish America), or I can send you a signed
copy. I have a few books here; I usually charge $30 which includes
postage, so it works out about the same as the other booksellers once
you add in postage.
Barnes & Noble
http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=where+vultures+
roost
Publish America: http://www.publishamerica.com/shopping/index.htm then
type in "Where Vultures Roost" in the search area.
For some reason or another Amazon lists the book, but I can't see where
you can click to order it, apart from going to outside sellers.
God bless,
Andrew
----- Original Message -----
From: nico css
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 6:51 AM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Writing another book, Andrew?
By the way, we never got a copy of your previous one featuring
Commanders. I'd like to buy one if I know where to find it.
Thanks
Nico
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
andrew.bridget@telus.net
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:27 PM
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related, so
forgive me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older 121.5
MHz ELTs work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I understand they
are (or supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading and transmit an
emergency signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by the
Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the ELTs
transmit an identifying code? If so, what is it? The airplane's
registration? Next, how do the search teams - say the good people at
CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would the signal be picked up by
an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoint a search location? Tom
Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does a CASARA search get
organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody manning the frequency?
What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.mat
ronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c
Message 4
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|
The 121.5 ELT isn't associated (much) with SARSAT, which monitors 406 MHz.
The 121.5 antenna would have been too big to launch. The signal isn't in a
range that ADFs (who top out at 30 mhz) can get. Essentially the ELT prod
uces a low power signal, line of sight which can be triangulated by flight
service stations (when they existed) via their VHF DF systems (when they ha
d them) or heard by a search pilot flying essentially overhead, or at most
within a few miles.
The removal of virtually all of the infrastructure to find a 121.5 (or 243)
ELT signal is why they are being replaced by the 406 Mhz ELTs, which both
(can) give a GPS position in their standard signal and are picked up by SA
RSAT
Bruce
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-commander-lis
t-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of andrew.bridget@telus.net
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 7:18 AM
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Actually, yes. Two books, in fact - "God's Orphan", which is our journey in
adopting our daughter from China, and "Dragon in the Sky", a sequel to "Wh
ere Vultures Roost". The question first came up in a discussion with a coll
eague, and when I wrote this last night I thought that maybe I should inclu
de such an event in "Dragon in the Sky" . Or maybe not. We'll see.
Re where to get the book from, you can order it online from Barnes & Noble
or the publisher (Publish America), or I can send you a signed copy. I have
a few books here; I usually charge $30 which includes postage, so it works
out about the same as the other booksellers once you add in postage.
Barnes & Noble http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=wh
ere+vultures+roost
Publish America: http://www.publishamerica.com/shopping/index.htm then type
in "Where Vultures Roost" in the search area.
For some reason or another Amazon lists the book, but I can't see where you
can click to order it, apart from going to outside sellers.
God bless,
Andrew
----- Original Message -----
From: nico css<mailto:nico@cybersuperstore.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 6:51 AM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Writing another book, Andrew?
By the way, we never got a copy of your previous one featuring Commanders.
I'd like to buy one if I know where to find it.
Thanks
Nico
________________________________
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com<mailto:owner-commander-list
-server@matronics.com> [mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] O
n Behalf Of andrew.bridget@telus.net<mailto:andrew.bridget@telus.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:27 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related, so forgi
ve me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older 121.5 MHz EL
Ts work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I understand they are (or
supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading and transmit an emergency
signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite
system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the ELTs transmit an identifying co
de? If so, what is it? The airplane's registration? Next, how do the search
teams - say the good people at CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would
the signal be picked up by an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoi
nt a search location? Tom Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does
a CASARA search get organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody mannin
g the frequency? What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.matro
nics.com/Navigator?Commander-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.matro
nics.com/Navigator?Commander-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c
Message 5
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Subject: | Re: 121.5 MHz ELT |
The worst part of carrying an ELT (at least in the States) is that in
the event of an accident the Civil Air Patrol might find you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
andrew.bridget@telus.net
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:27 PM
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related, so
forgive me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older 121.5
MHz ELTs work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I understand they
are (or supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading and transmit an
emergency signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by the
Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the ELTs
transmit an identifying code? If so, what is it? The airplane's
registration? Next, how do the search teams - say the good people at
CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would the signal be picked up by
an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoint a search location? Tom
Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does a CASARA search get
organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody manning the frequency?
What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.mat
ronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c
Message 6
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Subject: | Re: 121.5 MHz ELT |
As the Commander of CASARA for the South West of British Columbia I
should have some knowledge about the subject in this area, I just wish
that the some intelligent decisions were being made by those who shut
down the monitoring of 121.5.
In the past any 121.5 signal picked up by SARSAT system would be
monitored on the ground. The position of the ELT signal would be
narrowed down to a smaller area with each pass of the many satellites.
The nearest SAR group would then be notified and search aircraft would
be dispatched.
In Canada, British Columbia, the local Military Joint Rescue
Coordination Centre in Victoria would be notified of the presence of the
ELT signal, they in turn would notify the CASARA Commander for that area
(there are six areas in the Province) of British Columbia and depending
on it's approximate location (50 to 300 mile radius) would request
dispatching whatever resources it called for, usually a vehicle to a
nuisance ELT at an airport otherwise one or two aircraft with special
homing equipment, (I have the equipment installed on my 680FLP), Search
Pilot, Navigator and possibly one or two Spotters all within an hour.
If we can hear it, we can locate it although in mountainous terrain
there are a lot of reflective issues to deal with as well as power lines
propagating the signal along that corridor.
When an ELT is triggered either manually or with the "G" switch it just
starts transmitting (and should not be turned off), it does not transmit
any data regarding the source of the signal so all ELT's are hunted down
with all dispatch until we know what the source is.
Things are different now as 121.5 is no longer being monitored even
though less than 20% of the general aviation aircraft in North American
have the new 406 ELT installed. Worst yet these 406 units must be
registered and a lot are not, if it is registered then your tail number
name contact names and numbers will all be available to SAR. When you
buy a 406 ELT buy one that has an integrated GPS that will get search
teams into a 10 nm area. There is still a 121.5 signal emanating from
the 406 ELT's for local homing (still required) but it is half the
strength of the original 121.5 ELT's.
Between the lines of asterisks below is a notice from NOAA SARSAT
regarding 406 ELT's it is scary to say the least, I sure as hope all you
guys have that third radio installed just to listen to 121.5.
I hope this covers most of your questions.
Tom
C-GISS
680 FLP (Mr.RPM)
*************************************************************************
**************
Termination of Satellite Monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU READY?
Notice Number: NOTC1518
Termination of satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELTs will happen in
under a month. Are you ready?
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).
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.
Protect each other.
Currently only 12-15% of the registered aircraft in the United States
are flying with 406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is at least an 85%
chance that an aircraft in an accident will only transmit a 121.5 MHz
signal, thus remaining silent to the satellites. It will be up to other
pilots monitoring the 121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert Search
and Rescue authorities to accidents involving 121.5. When you fly, look
out for your fellow pilots and when possible monitor 121.5 MHz.
If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard, report to the nearest air traffic
control tower, the time and location of when you first detect the ELT,
when it is the loudest and when it drops off your radio. Listening and
reporting may well be the difference that saves a life.
Protect yourself.
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 at
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). 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. Protect yourself and your passengers and Get the Fix.
Switch to 406.
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 www.sarsat.noaa.govor
contact Switchto406@noaa.gov with any questions.
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
*************************************************************************
**************
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:26 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related, so
forgive me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older 121.5
MHz ELTs work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I understand they
are (or supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading and transmit an
emergency signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by the
Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the ELTs
transmit an identifying code? If so, what is it? The airplane's
registration? Next, how do the search teams - say the good people at
CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would the signal be picked up by
an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoint a search location? Tom
Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does a CASARA search get
organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody manning the frequency?
What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
Message 7
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|
I did CAP search in Northern California for some years, and generally a 12
1.5 ELT signal didn't go very far in the sierra and siskyous (maybe only he
arable directly above). The mode of finding it was generally to fly a ser
ies of spiral search patterns on a grid until someone heard it, then look
for the highest volume with AGC off on the radio. It was a time consumin
g, and often as not futile process. Even when the signal could be pinpo
inted, in the days before GPS it was only indicated by a DR with possibly (
but not often) some VOR bearings to go by. A 10 nm radius would have been
wonderful. Of course the ELTs going off on some ramp were relatively easy
to find, but still not quick or easy.
For what its worth, AmeriKing's 406 ELT lists about $850. It may be a good
idea to budget for an upgrade, as I will be doing.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-commander-lis
t-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Tom Fisher
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:44 PM
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
As the Commander of CASARA for the South West of British Columbia I should
have some knowledge about the subject in this area, I just wish that the so
me intelligent decisions were being made by those who shut down the monitor
ing of 121.5.
In the past any 121.5 signal picked up by SARSAT system would be monitored
on the ground. The position of the ELT signal would be narrowed down to a
smaller area with each pass of the many satellites. The nearest SAR group
would then be notified and search aircraft would be dispatched.
In Canada, British Columbia, the local Military Joint Rescue Coordination C
entre in Victoria would be notified of the presence of the ELT signal, they
in turn would notify the CASARA Commander for that area (there are six are
as in the Province) of British Columbia and depending on it's approximate l
ocation (50 to 300 mile radius) would request dispatching whatever resource
s it called for, usually a vehicle to a nuisance ELT at an airport otherwis
e one or two aircraft with special homing equipment, (I have the equipment
installed on my 680FLP), Search Pilot, Navigator and possibly one or two Sp
otters all within an hour.
If we can hear it, we can locate it although in mountainous terrain there a
re a lot of reflective issues to deal with as well as power lines propagati
ng the signal along that corridor.
When an ELT is triggered either manually or with the "G" switch it just sta
rts transmitting (and should not be turned off), it does not transmit any d
ata regarding the source of the signal so all ELT's are hunted down with al
l dispatch until we know what the source is.
Things are different now as 121.5 is no longer being monitored even though
less than 20% of the general aviation aircraft in North American have the n
ew 406 ELT installed. Worst yet these 406 units must be registered and a l
ot are not, if it is registered then your tail number name contact names an
d numbers will all be available to SAR. When you buy a 406 ELT buy one tha
t has an integrated GPS that will get search teams into a 10 nm area. Ther
e is still a 121.5 signal emanating from the 406 ELT's for local homing (st
ill required) but it is half the strength of the original 121.5 ELT's.
Between the lines of asterisks below is a notice from NOAA SARSAT regarding
406 ELT's it is scary to say the least, I sure as hope all you guys have t
hat third radio installed just to listen to 121.5.
I hope this covers most of your questions.
Tom
C-GISS
680 FLP (Mr.RPM)
***************************************************************************
************
Termination of Satellite Monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU READY?
Notice Number: NOTC1518
Termination of satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELTs will happen in under
a month. Are you ready?
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). Pilots flying aircraft equippe
d 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.
Protect each other...
Currently only 12-15% of the registered aircraft in the United States are
flying with 406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is at least an 85% chance
that an aircraft in an accident will only transmit a 121.5 MHz signal, thus
remaining silent to the satellites. It will be up to other pilots monitor
ing the 121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert Search and Rescue autho
rities to accidents involving 121.5. When you fly, look out for your fello
w pilots and when possible monitor 121.5 MHz.
If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard, report to the nearest air traffic con
trol tower, the time and location of when you first detect the ELT, when it
is the loudest and when it drops off your radio. Listening and reporting
may well be the difference that saves a life.
Protect yourself...
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 traceab
le to the registered beacon owner (406 MHz ELTs must be registered by the o
wner in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulation
at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). Registration allows the search and res
cue authorities to contact the beacon owner, or his or her designated alter
nate by telephone to determine if a real emergency exists. Therefore, a sim
ple telephone call often solves a 406 MHz alerts without launching costly a
nd limited search and rescue resources, which would have to be done for a 1
21.5 MHz alert. For these reasons, the search and rescue community is encou
raging 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 1
21.5 MHz ELT mounted in the aircraft's tail. Protect yourself and your pas
sengers and Get the Fix... Switch to 406.
Remember, after February 1, 2009, the world-wide Cospas-Sarsat satellite sy
stem will no longer process 121.5 MHz alert signals. Pilots involved in air
craft accidents in remote areas will have to depend on pilots of over flyin
g aircraft and or ground stations to hear emergency ELT distress signals.
For further information concerning the termination of 121.5 MHz data proces
sing visit www.sarsat.noaa.gov<http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/>or contact Switc
hto406@noaa.gov<mailto:Switchto406@noaa.gov> with any questions.
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
***************************************************************************
************
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net<mailto:andrew.bridget@telus.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:26 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related, so forgi
ve me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older 121.5 MHz EL
Ts work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I understand they are (or
supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading and transmit an emergency
signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite
system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the ELTs transmit an identifying co
de? If so, what is it? The airplane's registration? Next, how do the search
teams - say the good people at CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would
the signal be picked up by an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoi
nt a search location? Tom Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does
a CASARA search get organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody mannin
g the frequency? What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.matro
nics.com/Navigator?Commander-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c
________________________________
Message 8
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|
Subject: | Re: 121.5 MHz ELT |
Thank you, Tom and Bruce... Does each ELT have a unique signal (maybe in
Morse)? Or is it just an unbroken transmit signal?
----- Original Message -----
From: Bruce Campbell
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:01 PM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
I did CAP search in Northern California for some years, and generally
a 121.5 ELT signal didn't go very far in the sierra and siskyous (maybe
only hearable directly above). The mode of finding it was generally to
fly a series of spiral search patterns on a grid until someone heard
it, then look for the highest volume with AGC off on the radio. It was
a time consuming, and often as not futile process. Even when the
signal could be pinpointed, in the days before GPS it was only indicated
by a DR with possibly (but not often) some VOR bearings to go by. A 10
nm radius would have been wonderful. Of course the ELTs going off on
some ramp were relatively easy to find, but still not quick or easy.
For what its worth, AmeriKing's 406 ELT lists about $850. It may be a
good idea to budget for an upgrade, as I will be doing.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Tom
Fisher
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:44 PM
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
As the Commander of CASARA for the South West of British Columbia I
should have some knowledge about the subject in this area, I just wish
that the some intelligent decisions were being made by those who shut
down the monitoring of 121.5.
In the past any 121.5 signal picked up by SARSAT system would be
monitored on the ground. The position of the ELT signal would be
narrowed down to a smaller area with each pass of the many satellites.
The nearest SAR group would then be notified and search aircraft would
be dispatched.
In Canada, British Columbia, the local Military Joint Rescue
Coordination Centre in Victoria would be notified of the presence of the
ELT signal, they in turn would notify the CASARA Commander for that area
(there are six areas in the Province) of British Columbia and depending
on it's approximate location (50 to 300 mile radius) would request
dispatching whatever resources it called for, usually a vehicle to a
nuisance ELT at an airport otherwise one or two aircraft with special
homing equipment, (I have the equipment installed on my 680FLP), Search
Pilot, Navigator and possibly one or two Spotters all within an hour.
If we can hear it, we can locate it although in mountainous terrain
there are a lot of reflective issues to deal with as well as power lines
propagating the signal along that corridor.
When an ELT is triggered either manually or with the "G" switch it
just starts transmitting (and should not be turned off), it does not
transmit any data regarding the source of the signal so all ELT's are
hunted down with all dispatch until we know what the source is.
Things are different now as 121.5 is no longer being monitored even
though less than 20% of the general aviation aircraft in North American
have the new 406 ELT installed. Worst yet these 406 units must be
registered and a lot are not, if it is registered then your tail number
name contact names and numbers will all be available to SAR. When you
buy a 406 ELT buy one that has an integrated GPS that will get search
teams into a 10 nm area. There is still a 121.5 signal emanating from
the 406 ELT's for local homing (still required) but it is half the
strength of the original 121.5 ELT's.
Between the lines of asterisks below is a notice from NOAA SARSAT
regarding 406 ELT's it is scary to say the least, I sure as hope all you
guys have that third radio installed just to listen to 121.5.
I hope this covers most of your questions.
Tom
C-GISS
680 FLP (Mr.RPM)
*************************************************************************
**************
Termination of Satellite Monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU
READY?
Notice Number: NOTC1518
Termination of satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELTs will happen in
under a month. Are you ready?
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).
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.
Protect each other.
Currently only 12-15% of the registered aircraft in the United States
are flying with 406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is at least an 85%
chance that an aircraft in an accident will only transmit a 121.5 MHz
signal, thus remaining silent to the satellites. It will be up to other
pilots monitoring the 121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert Search
and Rescue authorities to accidents involving 121.5. When you fly, look
out for your fellow pilots and when possible monitor 121.5 MHz.
If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard, report to the nearest air
traffic control tower, the time and location of when you first detect
the ELT, when it is the loudest and when it drops off your radio.
Listening and reporting may well be the difference that saves a life.
Protect yourself.
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 at
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). 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. Protect yourself and your passengers and Get the Fix.
Switch to 406.
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 www.sarsat.noaa.govor
contact Switchto406@noaa.gov with any questions.
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
*************************************************************************
**************
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:26 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related,
so forgive me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older 121.5
MHz ELTs work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I understand they
are (or supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading and transmit an
emergency signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by the
Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the ELTs
transmit an identifying code? If so, what is it? The airplane's
registration? Next, how do the search teams - say the good people at
CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would the signal be picked up by
an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoint a search location? Tom
Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does a CASARA search get
organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody manning the frequency?
What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.mat
ronics.com/Navigator?Commander-Listhref="http://forums.matronics.com">h
ttp://forums.matronics.comhref="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">
http://www.matronics.com/c ; - The Commander-List Emai Search &
Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat,
FAQ,http://www.matro==================
=http://forums.matronics.comhttp://www.matronics.com/con
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
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|
The 121.5 just squeals. The 406 will give all kinds of info, including you
r id (which can be related to contact and alternate contact info) and GPS
position.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-commander-lis
t-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of andrew.bridget@telus.net
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:21 PM
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Thank you, Tom and Bruce... Does each ELT have a unique signal (maybe in Mo
rse)? Or is it just an unbroken transmit signal?
----- Original Message -----
From: Bruce Campbell<mailto:brcamp@windows.microsoft.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:01 PM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
I did CAP search in Northern California for some years, and generally a 12
1.5 ELT signal didn't go very far in the sierra and siskyous (maybe only he
arable directly above). The mode of finding it was generally to fly a ser
ies of spiral search patterns on a grid until someone heard it, then look
for the highest volume with AGC off on the radio. It was a time consumin
g, and often as not futile process. Even when the signal could be pinpo
inted, in the days before GPS it was only indicated by a DR with possibly (
but not often) some VOR bearings to go by. A 10 nm radius would have been
wonderful. Of course the ELTs going off on some ramp were relatively easy
to find, but still not quick or easy.
For what its worth, AmeriKing's 406 ELT lists about $850. It may be a good
idea to budget for an upgrade, as I will be doing.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-commander-lis
t-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Tom Fisher
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:44 PM
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
As the Commander of CASARA for the South West of British Columbia I should
have some knowledge about the subject in this area, I just wish that the so
me intelligent decisions were being made by those who shut down the monitor
ing of 121.5.
In the past any 121.5 signal picked up by SARSAT system would be monitored
on the ground. The position of the ELT signal would be narrowed down to a
smaller area with each pass of the many satellites. The nearest SAR group
would then be notified and search aircraft would be dispatched.
In Canada, British Columbia, the local Military Joint Rescue Coordination C
entre in Victoria would be notified of the presence of the ELT signal, they
in turn would notify the CASARA Commander for that area (there are six are
as in the Province) of British Columbia and depending on it's approximate l
ocation (50 to 300 mile radius) would request dispatching whatever resource
s it called for, usually a vehicle to a nuisance ELT at an airport otherwis
e one or two aircraft with special homing equipment, (I have the equipment
installed on my 680FLP), Search Pilot, Navigator and possibly one or two Sp
otters all within an hour.
If we can hear it, we can locate it although in mountainous terrain there a
re a lot of reflective issues to deal with as well as power lines propagati
ng the signal along that corridor.
When an ELT is triggered either manually or with the "G" switch it just sta
rts transmitting (and should not be turned off), it does not transmit any d
ata regarding the source of the signal so all ELT's are hunted down with al
l dispatch until we know what the source is.
Things are different now as 121.5 is no longer being monitored even though
less than 20% of the general aviation aircraft in North American have the n
ew 406 ELT installed. Worst yet these 406 units must be registered and a l
ot are not, if it is registered then your tail number name contact names an
d numbers will all be available to SAR. When you buy a 406 ELT buy one tha
t has an integrated GPS that will get search teams into a 10 nm area. Ther
e is still a 121.5 signal emanating from the 406 ELT's for local homing (st
ill required) but it is half the strength of the original 121.5 ELT's.
Between the lines of asterisks below is a notice from NOAA SARSAT regarding
406 ELT's it is scary to say the least, I sure as hope all you guys have t
hat third radio installed just to listen to 121.5.
I hope this covers most of your questions.
Tom
C-GISS
680 FLP (Mr.RPM)
***************************************************************************
************
Termination of Satellite Monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU READY?
Notice Number: NOTC1518
Termination of satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELTs will happen in under
a month. Are you ready?
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). Pilots flying aircraft equippe
d 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.
Protect each other...
Currently only 12-15% of the registered aircraft in the United States are
flying with 406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is at least an 85% chance
that an aircraft in an accident will only transmit a 121.5 MHz signal, thus
remaining silent to the satellites. It will be up to other pilots monitor
ing the 121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert Search and Rescue autho
rities to accidents involving 121.5. When you fly, look out for your fello
w pilots and when possible monitor 121.5 MHz.
If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard, report to the nearest air traffic con
trol tower, the time and location of when you first detect the ELT, when it
is the loudest and when it drops off your radio. Listening and reporting
may well be the difference that saves a life.
Protect yourself...
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 traceab
le to the registered beacon owner (406 MHz ELTs must be registered by the o
wner in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulation
at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). Registration allows the search and res
cue authorities to contact the beacon owner, or his or her designated alter
nate by telephone to determine if a real emergency exists. Therefore, a sim
ple telephone call often solves a 406 MHz alerts without launching costly a
nd limited search and rescue resources, which would have to be done for a 1
21.5 MHz alert. For these reasons, the search and rescue community is encou
raging 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 1
21.5 MHz ELT mounted in the aircraft's tail. Protect yourself and your pas
sengers and Get the Fix... Switch to 406.
Remember, after February 1, 2009, the world-wide Cospas-Sarsat satellite sy
stem will no longer process 121.5 MHz alert signals. Pilots involved in air
craft accidents in remote areas will have to depend on pilots of over flyin
g aircraft and or ground stations to hear emergency ELT distress signals.
For further information concerning the termination of 121.5 MHz data proces
sing visit www.sarsat.noaa.gov<http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/>or contact Switc
hto406@noaa.gov<mailto:Switchto406@noaa.gov> with any questions.
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
***************************************************************************
************
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net<mailto:andrew.bridget@telus.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:26 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related, so forgi
ve me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older 121.5 MHz EL
Ts work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I understand they are (or
supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading and transmit an emergency
signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite
system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the ELTs transmit an identifying co
de? If so, what is it? The airplane's registration? Next, how do the search
teams - say the good people at CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would
the signal be picked up by an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoi
nt a search location? Tom Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does
a CASARA search get organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody mannin
g the frequency? What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.matro
nics.com/Navigator?Commander-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c
; - The Commander-List Emai Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat,
FAQ,
________________________________
Message 10
INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
PREVIOUS | Skip to PREVIOUS Message |
NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
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|
Subject: | Re: 121.5 MHz ELT |
Great! Thanks.
----- Original Message -----
From: Bruce Campbell
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:37 PM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
The 121.5 just squeals. The 406 will give all kinds of info,
including your id (which can be related to contact and alternate contact
info) and GPS position.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
andrew.bridget@telus.net
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:21 PM
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Thank you, Tom and Bruce... Does each ELT have a unique signal (maybe
in Morse)? Or is it just an unbroken transmit signal?
----- Original Message -----
From: Bruce Campbell
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:01 PM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
I did CAP search in Northern California for some years, and
generally a 121.5 ELT signal didn't go very far in the sierra and
siskyous (maybe only hearable directly above). The mode of finding it
was generally to fly a series of spiral search patterns on a grid until
someone heard it, then look for the highest volume with AGC off on the
radio. It was a time consuming, and often as not futile process.
Even when the signal could be pinpointed, in the days before GPS it was
only indicated by a DR with possibly (but not often) some VOR bearings
to go by. A 10 nm radius would have been wonderful. Of course the
ELTs going off on some ramp were relatively easy to find, but still not
quick or easy.
For what its worth, AmeriKing's 406 ELT lists about $850. It may be
a good idea to budget for an upgrade, as I will be doing.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Tom
Fisher
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:44 PM
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
As the Commander of CASARA for the South West of British Columbia I
should have some knowledge about the subject in this area, I just wish
that the some intelligent decisions were being made by those who shut
down the monitoring of 121.5.
In the past any 121.5 signal picked up by SARSAT system would be
monitored on the ground. The position of the ELT signal would be
narrowed down to a smaller area with each pass of the many satellites.
The nearest SAR group would then be notified and search aircraft would
be dispatched.
In Canada, British Columbia, the local Military Joint Rescue
Coordination Centre in Victoria would be notified of the presence of the
ELT signal, they in turn would notify the CASARA Commander for that area
(there are six areas in the Province) of British Columbia and depending
on it's approximate location (50 to 300 mile radius) would request
dispatching whatever resources it called for, usually a vehicle to a
nuisance ELT at an airport otherwise one or two aircraft with special
homing equipment, (I have the equipment installed on my 680FLP), Search
Pilot, Navigator and possibly one or two Spotters all within an hour.
If we can hear it, we can locate it although in mountainous terrain
there are a lot of reflective issues to deal with as well as power lines
propagating the signal along that corridor.
When an ELT is triggered either manually or with the "G" switch it
just starts transmitting (and should not be turned off), it does not
transmit any data regarding the source of the signal so all ELT's are
hunted down with all dispatch until we know what the source is.
Things are different now as 121.5 is no longer being monitored even
though less than 20% of the general aviation aircraft in North American
have the new 406 ELT installed. Worst yet these 406 units must be
registered and a lot are not, if it is registered then your tail number
name contact names and numbers will all be available to SAR. When you
buy a 406 ELT buy one that has an integrated GPS that will get search
teams into a 10 nm area. There is still a 121.5 signal emanating from
the 406 ELT's for local homing (still required) but it is half the
strength of the original 121.5 ELT's.
Between the lines of asterisks below is a notice from NOAA SARSAT
regarding 406 ELT's it is scary to say the least, I sure as hope all you
guys have that third radio installed just to listen to 121.5.
I hope this covers most of your questions.
Tom
C-GISS
680 FLP (Mr.RPM)
*************************************************************************
**************
Termination of Satellite Monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU
READY?
Notice Number: NOTC1518
Termination of satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELTs will happen in
under a month. Are you ready?
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).
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.
Protect each other.
Currently only 12-15% of the registered aircraft in the United
States are flying with 406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is at least
an 85% chance that an aircraft in an accident will only transmit a 121.5
MHz signal, thus remaining silent to the satellites. It will be up to
other pilots monitoring the 121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert
Search and Rescue authorities to accidents involving 121.5. When you
fly, look out for your fellow pilots and when possible monitor 121.5
MHz.
If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard, report to the nearest air
traffic control tower, the time and location of when you first detect
the ELT, when it is the loudest and when it drops off your radio.
Listening and reporting may well be the difference that saves a life.
Protect yourself.
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 at
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). 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. Protect yourself and your passengers and Get the Fix.
Switch to 406.
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 www.sarsat.noaa.govor
contact Switchto406@noaa.gov with any questions.
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
*************************************************************************
**************
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:26 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related,
so forgive me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older
121.5 MHz ELTs work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I
understand they are (or supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading
and transmit an emergency signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by
the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the
ELTs transmit an identifying code? If so, what is it? The airplane's
registration? Next, how do the search teams - say the good people at
CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would the signal be picked up by
an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoint a search location? Tom
Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does a CASARA search get
organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody manning the frequency?
What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.mat
ronics.com/Navigator?Commander-Listhref="http://forums.matronics.com">h
ttp://forums.matronics.comhref="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">
http://www.matronics.com/c ; - The Commander-List Emai Search &
Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Message 11
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|
Subject: | Re: 121.5 MHz ELT |
Andrew;
The way I remember it, sometimes when flying commercially, we would get
a call from ATC asking us if we were receiving ELT signal, we would
just dial in 121.5 and listen. If we did receive it, they would ask us
to let them know if it was getting louder or fainter, and to let them
know when we lost the signal. I guess this would give them some
triangulation to pin point the location, often it was on a parked
airplane on the airport, but sometimes was a legit signal.
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 4:20 PM
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Thank you, Tom and Bruce... Does each ELT have a unique signal (maybe
in Morse)? Or is it just an unbroken transmit signal?
----- Original Message -----
From: Bruce Campbell
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:01 PM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
I did CAP search in Northern California for some years, and
generally a 121.5 ELT signal didn't go very far in the sierra and
siskyous (maybe only hearable directly above). The mode of finding it
was generally to fly a series of spiral search patterns on a grid until
someone heard it, then look for the highest volume with AGC off on the
radio. It was a time consuming, and often as not futile process.
Even when the signal could be pinpointed, in the days before GPS it was
only indicated by a DR with possibly (but not often) some VOR bearings
to go by. A 10 nm radius would have been wonderful. Of course the
ELTs going off on some ramp were relatively easy to find, but still not
quick or easy.
For what its worth, AmeriKing's 406 ELT lists about $850. It may be
a good idea to budget for an upgrade, as I will be doing.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Tom
Fisher
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:44 PM
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
As the Commander of CASARA for the South West of British Columbia I
should have some knowledge about the subject in this area, I just wish
that the some intelligent decisions were being made by those who shut
down the monitoring of 121.5.
In the past any 121.5 signal picked up by SARSAT system would be
monitored on the ground. The position of the ELT signal would be
narrowed down to a smaller area with each pass of the many satellites.
The nearest SAR group would then be notified and search aircraft would
be dispatched.
In Canada, British Columbia, the local Military Joint Rescue
Coordination Centre in Victoria would be notified of the presence of the
ELT signal, they in turn would notify the CASARA Commander for that area
(there are six areas in the Province) of British Columbia and depending
on it's approximate location (50 to 300 mile radius) would request
dispatching whatever resources it called for, usually a vehicle to a
nuisance ELT at an airport otherwise one or two aircraft with special
homing equipment, (I have the equipment installed on my 680FLP), Search
Pilot, Navigator and possibly one or two Spotters all within an hour.
If we can hear it, we can locate it although in mountainous terrain
there are a lot of reflective issues to deal with as well as power lines
propagating the signal along that corridor.
When an ELT is triggered either manually or with the "G" switch it
just starts transmitting (and should not be turned off), it does not
transmit any data regarding the source of the signal so all ELT's are
hunted down with all dispatch until we know what the source is.
Things are different now as 121.5 is no longer being monitored even
though less than 20% of the general aviation aircraft in North American
have the new 406 ELT installed. Worst yet these 406 units must be
registered and a lot are not, if it is registered then your tail number
name contact names and numbers will all be available to SAR. When you
buy a 406 ELT buy one that has an integrated GPS that will get search
teams into a 10 nm area. There is still a 121.5 signal emanating from
the 406 ELT's for local homing (still required) but it is half the
strength of the original 121.5 ELT's.
Between the lines of asterisks below is a notice from NOAA SARSAT
regarding 406 ELT's it is scary to say the least, I sure as hope all you
guys have that third radio installed just to listen to 121.5.
I hope this covers most of your questions.
Tom
C-GISS
680 FLP (Mr.RPM)
*************************************************************************
**************
Termination of Satellite Monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU
READY?
Notice Number: NOTC1518
Termination of satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELTs will happen in
under a month. Are you ready?
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).
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.
Protect each other.
Currently only 12-15% of the registered aircraft in the United
States are flying with 406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is at least
an 85% chance that an aircraft in an accident will only transmit a 121.5
MHz signal, thus remaining silent to the satellites. It will be up to
other pilots monitoring the 121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert
Search and Rescue authorities to accidents involving 121.5. When you
fly, look out for your fellow pilots and when possible monitor 121.5
MHz.
If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard, report to the nearest air
traffic control tower, the time and location of when you first detect
the ELT, when it is the loudest and when it drops off your radio.
Listening and reporting may well be the difference that saves a life.
Protect yourself.
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 at
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). 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. Protect yourself and your passengers and Get the Fix.
Switch to 406.
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 www.sarsat.noaa.govor
contact Switchto406@noaa.gov with any questions.
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
*************************************************************************
**************
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:26 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation related,
so forgive me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older
121.5 MHz ELTs work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I
understand they are (or supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading
and transmit an emergency signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by
the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the
ELTs transmit an identifying code? If so, what is it? The airplane's
registration? Next, how do the search teams - say the good people at
CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would the signal be picked up by
an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoint a search location? Tom
Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does a CASARA search get
organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody manning the frequency?
What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.mat
ronics.com/Navigator?Commander-Listhref="http://forums.matronics.com">h
ttp://forums.matronics.comhref="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">
http://www.matronics.com/c ; - The Commander-List Emai Search &
Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat,
FAQ,http://forums.matronics.comhttp://www.matronics.com/con
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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ronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List
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Message 12
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|
Subject: | Re: 121.5 MHz ELT |
Andrew;
It is kind of a warble, like a capacitor charging and discharging..
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 4:50 PM
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Great! Thanks.
----- Original Message -----
From: Bruce Campbell
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:37 PM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
The 121.5 just squeals. The 406 will give all kinds of info,
including your id (which can be related to contact and alternate contact
info) and GPS position.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
andrew.bridget@telus.net
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:21 PM
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Thank you, Tom and Bruce... Does each ELT have a unique signal
(maybe in Morse)? Or is it just an unbroken transmit signal?
----- Original Message -----
From: Bruce Campbell
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:01 PM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
I did CAP search in Northern California for some years, and
generally a 121.5 ELT signal didn't go very far in the sierra and
siskyous (maybe only hearable directly above). The mode of finding it
was generally to fly a series of spiral search patterns on a grid until
someone heard it, then look for the highest volume with AGC off on the
radio. It was a time consuming, and often as not futile process.
Even when the signal could be pinpointed, in the days before GPS it was
only indicated by a DR with possibly (but not often) some VOR bearings
to go by. A 10 nm radius would have been wonderful. Of course the
ELTs going off on some ramp were relatively easy to find, but still not
quick or easy.
For what its worth, AmeriKing's 406 ELT lists about $850. It may
be a good idea to budget for an upgrade, as I will be doing.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Tom
Fisher
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:44 PM
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
As the Commander of CASARA for the South West of British Columbia
I should have some knowledge about the subject in this area, I just wish
that the some intelligent decisions were being made by those who shut
down the monitoring of 121.5.
In the past any 121.5 signal picked up by SARSAT system would be
monitored on the ground. The position of the ELT signal would be
narrowed down to a smaller area with each pass of the many satellites.
The nearest SAR group would then be notified and search aircraft would
be dispatched.
In Canada, British Columbia, the local Military Joint Rescue
Coordination Centre in Victoria would be notified of the presence of the
ELT signal, they in turn would notify the CASARA Commander for that area
(there are six areas in the Province) of British Columbia and depending
on it's approximate location (50 to 300 mile radius) would request
dispatching whatever resources it called for, usually a vehicle to a
nuisance ELT at an airport otherwise one or two aircraft with special
homing equipment, (I have the equipment installed on my 680FLP), Search
Pilot, Navigator and possibly one or two Spotters all within an hour.
If we can hear it, we can locate it although in mountainous
terrain there are a lot of reflective issues to deal with as well as
power lines propagating the signal along that corridor.
When an ELT is triggered either manually or with the "G" switch it
just starts transmitting (and should not be turned off), it does not
transmit any data regarding the source of the signal so all ELT's are
hunted down with all dispatch until we know what the source is.
Things are different now as 121.5 is no longer being monitored
even though less than 20% of the general aviation aircraft in North
American have the new 406 ELT installed. Worst yet these 406 units must
be registered and a lot are not, if it is registered then your tail
number name contact names and numbers will all be available to SAR.
When you buy a 406 ELT buy one that has an integrated GPS that will get
search teams into a 10 nm area. There is still a 121.5 signal emanating
from the 406 ELT's for local homing (still required) but it is half the
strength of the original 121.5 ELT's.
Between the lines of asterisks below is a notice from NOAA SARSAT
regarding 406 ELT's it is scary to say the least, I sure as hope all you
guys have that third radio installed just to listen to 121.5.
I hope this covers most of your questions.
Tom
C-GISS
680 FLP (Mr.RPM)
*************************************************************************
**************
Termination of Satellite Monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU
READY?
Notice Number: NOTC1518
Termination of satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELTs will happen
in under a month. Are you ready?
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).
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.
Protect each other.
Currently only 12-15% of the registered aircraft in the United
States are flying with 406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is at least
an 85% chance that an aircraft in an accident will only transmit a 121.5
MHz signal, thus remaining silent to the satellites. It will be up to
other pilots monitoring the 121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert
Search and Rescue authorities to accidents involving 121.5. When you
fly, look out for your fellow pilots and when possible monitor 121.5
MHz.
If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard, report to the nearest air
traffic control tower, the time and location of when you first detect
the ELT, when it is the loudest and when it drops off your radio.
Listening and reporting may well be the difference that saves a life.
Protect yourself.
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 at
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). 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. Protect yourself and your passengers and Get the Fix.
Switch to 406.
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 www.sarsat.noaa.govor
contact Switchto406@noaa.gov with any questions.
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
*************************************************************************
**************
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:26 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation
related, so forgive me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older
121.5 MHz ELTs work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I
understand they are (or supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading
and transmit an emergency signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by
the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the
ELTs transmit an identifying code? If so, what is it? The airplane's
registration? Next, how do the search teams - say the good people at
CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would the signal be picked up by
an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoint a search location? Tom
Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does a CASARA search get
organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody manning the frequency?
What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.mat
ronics.com/Navigator?Commander-Listhref="http://forums.matronics.com">h
ttp://forums.matronics.comhref="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">
http://www.matronics.com/c ; - The Commander-List Emai Search &
Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.mat
ronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List
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href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c
Message 13
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|
Subject: | Re: 121.5 MHz ELT |
Thanks, Don!
----- Original Message -----
From: L D GIROD
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 2:06 PM
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Andrew;
The way I remember it, sometimes when flying commercially, we would
get a call from ATC asking us if we were receiving ELT signal, we would
just dial in 121.5 and listen. If we did receive it, they would ask us
to let them know if it was getting louder or fainter, and to let them
know when we lost the signal. I guess this would give them some
triangulation to pin point the location, often it was on a parked
airplane on the airport, but sometimes was a legit signal.
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 4:20 PM
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Thank you, Tom and Bruce... Does each ELT have a unique signal
(maybe in Morse)? Or is it just an unbroken transmit signal?
----- Original Message -----
From: Bruce Campbell
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:01 PM
Subject: RE: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
I did CAP search in Northern California for some years, and
generally a 121.5 ELT signal didn't go very far in the sierra and
siskyous (maybe only hearable directly above). The mode of finding it
was generally to fly a series of spiral search patterns on a grid until
someone heard it, then look for the highest volume with AGC off on the
radio. It was a time consuming, and often as not futile process.
Even when the signal could be pinpointed, in the days before GPS it was
only indicated by a DR with possibly (but not often) some VOR bearings
to go by. A 10 nm radius would have been wonderful. Of course the
ELTs going off on some ramp were relatively easy to find, but still not
quick or easy.
For what its worth, AmeriKing's 406 ELT lists about $850. It may
be a good idea to budget for an upgrade, as I will be doing.
From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Tom
Fisher
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:44 PM
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
As the Commander of CASARA for the South West of British Columbia
I should have some knowledge about the subject in this area, I just wish
that the some intelligent decisions were being made by those who shut
down the monitoring of 121.5.
In the past any 121.5 signal picked up by SARSAT system would be
monitored on the ground. The position of the ELT signal would be
narrowed down to a smaller area with each pass of the many satellites.
The nearest SAR group would then be notified and search aircraft would
be dispatched.
In Canada, British Columbia, the local Military Joint Rescue
Coordination Centre in Victoria would be notified of the presence of the
ELT signal, they in turn would notify the CASARA Commander for that area
(there are six areas in the Province) of British Columbia and depending
on it's approximate location (50 to 300 mile radius) would request
dispatching whatever resources it called for, usually a vehicle to a
nuisance ELT at an airport otherwise one or two aircraft with special
homing equipment, (I have the equipment installed on my 680FLP), Search
Pilot, Navigator and possibly one or two Spotters all within an hour.
If we can hear it, we can locate it although in mountainous
terrain there are a lot of reflective issues to deal with as well as
power lines propagating the signal along that corridor.
When an ELT is triggered either manually or with the "G" switch it
just starts transmitting (and should not be turned off), it does not
transmit any data regarding the source of the signal so all ELT's are
hunted down with all dispatch until we know what the source is.
Things are different now as 121.5 is no longer being monitored
even though less than 20% of the general aviation aircraft in North
American have the new 406 ELT installed. Worst yet these 406 units must
be registered and a lot are not, if it is registered then your tail
number name contact names and numbers will all be available to SAR.
When you buy a 406 ELT buy one that has an integrated GPS that will get
search teams into a 10 nm area. There is still a 121.5 signal emanating
from the 406 ELT's for local homing (still required) but it is half the
strength of the original 121.5 ELT's.
Between the lines of asterisks below is a notice from NOAA SARSAT
regarding 406 ELT's it is scary to say the least, I sure as hope all you
guys have that third radio installed just to listen to 121.5.
I hope this covers most of your questions.
Tom
C-GISS
680 FLP (Mr.RPM)
*************************************************************************
**************
Termination of Satellite Monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU
READY?
Notice Number: NOTC1518
Termination of satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELTs will happen
in under a month. Are you ready?
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).
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.
Protect each other.
Currently only 12-15% of the registered aircraft in the United
States are flying with 406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is at least
an 85% chance that an aircraft in an accident will only transmit a 121.5
MHz signal, thus remaining silent to the satellites. It will be up to
other pilots monitoring the 121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert
Search and Rescue authorities to accidents involving 121.5. When you
fly, look out for your fellow pilots and when possible monitor 121.5
MHz.
If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard, report to the nearest air
traffic control tower, the time and location of when you first detect
the ELT, when it is the loudest and when it drops off your radio.
Listening and reporting may well be the difference that saves a life.
Protect yourself.
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 at
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). 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. Protect yourself and your passengers and Get the Fix.
Switch to 406.
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 www.sarsat.noaa.govor
contact Switchto406@noaa.gov with any questions.
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
*************************************************************************
**************
----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.bridget@telus.net
To: commander-list@matronics.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 8:26 PM
Subject: Commander-List: 121.5 MHz ELT
Good evening folks,
This is not really a Commander topic per se, but aviation
related, so forgive me for posting non-Commander topics here. :-)
Can anyone give me a very high-level overview of how the older
121.5 MHz ELTs work in saving lives and facilitating rescue? I
understand they are (or supposed to be) activated at a certain G loading
and transmit an emergency signal on 121.5 MHz, which is/was monitored by
the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. But which ELT was triggered? Do the
ELTs transmit an identifying code? If so, what is it? The airplane's
registration? Next, how do the search teams - say the good people at
CASARA - locate the downed aircraft? Would the signal be picked up by
an ADF, for example, and triangulated to pinpoint a search location? Tom
Fisher, would you be able to help here? How does a CASARA search get
organised? Who advises CASARA? Is there somebody manning the frequency?
What happened pre-Cospas-Sarsat?
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Andrew
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Commander-List">http://www.mat
ronics.com/Navigator?Commander-Listhref="http://forums.matronics.com">h
ttp://forums.matronics.comhref="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">
http://www.matronics.com/c ; - The Commander-List Emai Search &
Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ,http://www.matronics.com/con
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