News Archive
AOPA counters new attempt to mandate $2,500 ELTs
Threats to affordable flying come from everywhere. Not surprisingly, many originate in the halls and back offices of Capitol Hill. AOPA recently countered a quiet attempt to have Congress require new, $2,500 emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) on GA aircraft.
Defending general aviation from just such efforts in Washington is one of the many benefits of AOPA’s own full-time, downtown Washington congressional relations staff.
Shortly after the John F. Kennedy, Jr. accident, lobbyists for Litton Industries began quietly contacting congressional staffers, advocating legislation mandating new 406-MHz ELTs for GA aircraft.
Litton lobbyists claimed that 406-MHz units are more reliable and produce fewer false alarms than the 121.5-MHz ELTs installed today in nearly all general aviation aircraft.
Litton Industries manufactures a 406-MHz ELT.
“Litton’s attempt to mandate equipage of its own product is not motivated by altruism,” wrote AOPA President Phil Boyer in a letter to every senator plus key members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “In fact, all ELTs, including 406-MHz models, may be obsolete in just a few years.”
ELTs may be replaced by Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, currently being tested in Ohio under the FAA’s Safe Flight 21 program. Boyer said ADS-B could be much more effective in locating downed aircraft and could eliminate the ELT false alarm problem.
“It is possible that technology such as ADS-B will begin replacing traditional ELTs within five years,” Boyer told Congress. “This may explain why 406-MHz ELT manufacturers are trying to force the installation of their equipment before new technologies such as ADS-B are available.”
AOPA also took issue with the contention that today’s ELTs need to be replaced.
ELTs became mandatory in 1973 following the loss of U.S. Representative Hale Boggs in Alaska. His aircraft was never found. In response, Congress ordered the installation of the then-new devices, even though AOPA argued the technology was not fully developed.
The performance of first-generation (TSO-91) ELTs was abysmal, activating in only 24 percent of crashes. Some 97 percent of alarms were false.
In 1985, a new TSO-91a ELT was developed, which substantially reduced or eliminated the problems typical of earlier models. An annual ELT inspection requirement was also added.
Since 1994, all new or replacement ELTs must meet new TSO-91a standards. With annual ELT inspections and continuing phase-out of first-generation units, the false alarm rate is declining. Today’s 121.5-MHz ELTs activate in 73 percent of crashes and cost just $250 to $500.
The proposed 406-MHz ELT reportedly activates successfully at a marginally better 81 percent rate but costs about $2,500—five to ten times more than a TSO-91a unit. Supporters claim 406-MHz ELTs would produce fewer false alarms, but that hasn’t yet been proven.
The 406-MHz ELTs have not been extensively tested in aircraft. AOPA maintains that the ELT should undergo appropriate field testing before reaching any conclusions on its performance in the aviation environment.
“AOPA supports the transition to more reliable ELTs under TSO-91a and the mandatory annual ELT inspection,” said Boyer. “However, we believe the cost of the 406-MHz ELT is too high and its known benefits too small to mandate its universal use in general aviation aircraft.”
“AOPA would strongly oppose any legislation that would force GA pilots to buy 406-MHz ELTs,” Boyer told Congress.
The 350,000-member Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is the world’s largest aviation organization. Its advocacy of reasonable government regulation is part of AOPA’s 60-year effort to help keep flying affordable and productive.
99-3-049
August 27, 1999
