Required By New Regs In Canada For Recreational Operators

ACR Electronics, specialists in emergency and survival equipment, is offering its 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters at the EAA AirVenture airshow and fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. ACR is making the ELT available for those needing to comply with new regulations in Canada that are now in effect for recreational operators.

Canadian Aviation Regulations requiring the use of the 406 MHz transmitters went into effect in 2021 for commercial operators, foreign aircraft and private operators. The regulation now mandates aircraft flown by recreational operators in Canada be equipped with ELTs that transmit on both 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz. The only exceptions to the mandate are gliders, balloons, airships, ultra-light aircraft, and gyroplanes.

The increased regulations on the industry in Canada are intended to transition away from 121.5 MHz ELTs, which are no longer compatible with satellite communications.

In response, ACR’s ARTEX brand is encouraging all aircraft owners and operators to replace legacy ELTs with the digital 406 MHz unit. In addition to regulatory compliance they provide enhanced safety and future-proofing repair capability lacking in legacy 121.5 MHz transmitters.

The FAA approved the ARTEX ELT 345, which transmits on both frequencies to provide pilots an optimum distress beacon that maximizes frequency stability and power along with a built-in GPS navigational interface.

Jeff Geraci, Vice President and General Manager of ARTEX said, “With the deadline approaching for the new Canadian Aviation Regulations to take effect for the recreational sector, our advice is to complete the upgrade now, as there will be a rush for installation availability and pricing pressure.

“Upgrading to a 406 MHz ELT improves passenger safety and enhances efficiency of search and rescue operations, providing a better chance of survival. There are also cost of ownership benefits for those who invest now in an ARTEX 406 MHz ELT with a five or six year battery life (depending on ELT model), rather than replacing expensive two-year batteries on older, obsoleted 121.5 MHz ELTs. As per the FAA, 121.5 MHz ELT is not repairable, and their operational life is sunsetting.”

FMI:  www.acrartex.com/