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:
- The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) warns that proposed regulatory changes could mandate 406 ELT installation for all aircraft in Canada, including transient ones, potentially banning U.S. aircraft that lack such equipment.
- This regulation would eliminate low-cost ELT alternatives and pose significant problems for cross-border flights, particularly those transiting to and from Alaska.
- COPA advises members to comment on the upcoming draft regulation and, if purchasing an ELT, to acquire a 406 ELT that is coded for Canada, registered with the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, and does not use LiSO2 batteries.
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