The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is warning pilots they should be concerned that revisions to a regulation’s wording could mean mandatory installation of 406 ELTs in all Canadian aircraft — and transient aircraft, too. In a letter from Kevin Psutka, president and CEO, Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, Psutka states that “low-cost alternatives to ELTs have all but been ruled out for our sector of aviation.” Because the U.S. does not mandate 406 ELTs, “thousands of U.S. aircraft will be banned from Canada,” posing a particular problem for aircraft transiting to and from Alaska. COPA is advising its members that the next opportunity for comment will be when the draft regulation is publicly announced. While COPA seeks alternatives, it is also advising members in the market for an ELT to equip with a 406 ELT. “The battery must not be LiSO2 and, for a 406 ELT, it must be coded for Canada and registered with the National Search and Rescue Secretariat.”
406 ELT’s Mandated In Canada?
Key Takeaways:
- COPA warns that revised regulation wording could lead to mandatory 406 ELT installation in all Canadian and transient aircraft.
- This potential mandate could ban thousands of U.S. aircraft (which are not required to have 406 ELTs) from entering Canada, posing significant issues for those transiting to and from Alaska.
- While seeking alternatives, COPA advises members in the market for an ELT to equip with a 406 ELT (non-LiSO2 battery, coded for Canada, and registered with the National Search and Rescue Secretariat) and to comment on the draft regulation when it's publicly announced.
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