Message-ID: <366627B8.A1130F91@nii.net>
Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 01:55:03 -0400
From: "Angier M. Ames" <alphadog@nii.net>
Organization: Alpha Delta Research
To: Lancair <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: ELT 406 MHz
Mime-Version: 1.0

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So...Where do you buy one of these?......Angier Ames

Legislation enacted in 1974 requires most U.S. fixed-wing aircraft to carry an
ELT. In 1982, the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system was developed to use the 406
Mhz frequency for distress beacons. The 406.025
Mhz frequency is internationally protected for distress alerting using
satellites. 

The 406 MHz ELT uses the COSPAS-SARSAT System and offers the user the benefits
of location accuracy of 2-5 km (1-3 miles), global detection, and a unique
digital signal that is associated with a 406 MHz
beacon registration database. The registration of 406 MHz ELTs is mandatory in
the United States. The registration database is kept at the United States
Mission Control Center (USMCC). The USMCC, located in
Suitland, Maryland -- just outside of Washington, D.C. -- is managed and
operated by NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information
Service, a Commerce Department agency. The mission control
center collects data from U.S. operational ground stations at seven locations.
The USMCC is an integral part of the COSPAS-SARSAT system. 

COSPAS-SARSAT is an international search and rescue program that uses polar
orbiting satellites to detect emergency beacons that are activated by
aviation, maritime, and terrestrial users of emergency beacons who
are in distress. COSPAS-SARSAT uses search and rescue payloads aboard NOAA
environmental satellites and Russian navigation satellites. The COSPAS-SARSAT
System has assisted in saving nearly 4,000 lives
since the first save in British Columbia, Canada on September 9, 1982. 

When an emergency beacon is activated, the signal is received by the COSPAS
and SARSAT polar orbiting satellites and relayed to an international network
of ground stations. The ground station processes the alert
data and forwards it to a national mission control center (MCC) which sends
the alert message to the appropriate land or maritime rescue coordination
center. There are 13 operational MCCs and 25 operational ground
receiving stations in the international COSPAS-SARSAT System. 

406 MHz ELTs are authorized for voluntary use by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). The Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), which
represents users, manufacturers, and the search and
rescue community, is currently working on a recommendation to the FAA
concerning mandatory requirements for the 406 ELT. 

NOAA estimates that the mandatory requirement for 406 MHz ELTs could result in
over 90 more lives saved annually; greater reduction in injuries; false alert
reduction of at least 95 percent; reduced risks to SAR
responders; and annual savings of $7.1 million to public and private SAR
providers. The first registered 406 MHz ELT opens the door to the eventuality
that all aircraft will carry the COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz ELT
in the future.