AOPA Opposes Move To Require The Switch

The National Transportation Safety Board recommended last week that pilots be required to equip their aircraft with a 406-MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT). The recommendation comes as satellites will no longer monitor 121.5-MHz ELT signals after February 1, 2009.

While upgrading to a 406-MHz ELT is probably a prudent move for many pilots, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association says it opposes any move to force pilots to make the switch.

"Pilots should be able to decide which ELT they want in their aircraft based upon their type of flying," said Melissa Rudinger, vice president of regulatory affairs for AOPA. "We've alerted the FAA and the NTSB that we will oppose any attempt to require all pilots to equip with 406-MHz ELTs."

Aircraft, ground stations, and air traffic control will continue to monitor 121.5 MHz after February 2009. AOPA also is concerned about a mandate to equip with a 406-MHz ELT because it costs between $1,000 and $1,800; a pilot can find a new 121.5-MHz ELT for around $200.

The association has been working to educate pilots about the two ELTs, personal locator beacons, and cell phones with GPS receivers that can be used in case of an emergency.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, www.aopa.org