FCC suspends ban on 121.5 MHz ELTs
January 19, 2011, 03:04 pm
The Federal Communications Commission has delayed the termination of 121.5 MhZ Emergency Locator Transmitters as well as the permanent move to ELTs that work on a 406 MHz frequency, according to the organization.
This transition began after the Cospas-sarsat satellite system, which monitors the distress signals ELTs transmit, announced that they were no longer going to receive signals from the 121.5 MHz frequency because they believe the 406 MHz frequency is more reliable.
Many against the discontinuation of lower frequency ELTs claim that moving to the higher frequency would make some unable to fly because there aren't enough 406 MHz ELTs in existence for the number of general aviation planes that would need replacements. They also mentioned that, although Cospas-sarsat would no longer monitor the 121.5 MHz ELTs, other aviation organizations still do and would be able to relay any distress signals on that frequency.
As a result of this feedback, the FCC has decided to delay their final decision in order to consider those arguments already made against the switch as well as any additional comments members of affected parties may have.
ELTs are an important safety device, but there are still numerous hazards facing those who fly and they should research life insurance for pilots to have a secure way of providing for their families in the event of a fatal accident.
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