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Aviation News Item: 09879
22nd Jun 2010
Pilots should be able to choose aircraft location system
Source: verticalmag.com
 The Federal Communications Commission's decision to prohibit the use of 121.5MHz emergency locator transmitters from August is sensible, given their high failure and false alert rate, says aircraft location system developer Spider Tracks, but pilots should have a choice about what they replace them with.
The FCC announced the rule change in a surprise move recently. " The move effectively mandates 406MHz beacons because pilots have to carry something. But the failure rate of 406 ELTs is going to be the same as 121.5 beacons - about 75 per cent. Which means pilots can't rely on them if they have an accident. If pilots are having this additional cost imposed on them they should have the choice to purchase a system that actually works," says Bruce Bartley, Spider Tracks.
"ELT technology is fundamentally flawed. It relies on the device in the aircraft surviving the crash to transmit. Because of the often violent nature of aircraft accidents this isn't often the case. Data from a 1990 FAA commissioned report into the effectiveness of ELTS found that they operate in only than 25 per cent of accidents because they are damaged on impact, or the antenna break, they're submerged or they are not installed correctly. As pilots, we don't think that this is acceptable."
He says active tracking systems that automatically turn on and send SOS messages automatically when the device in the aircraft stops transmitting provide the solution.
"They don't have to survive the accident to transmit the SOS, the alerts are sent automatically by the system, and the track of the flight can lead rescuers straight to the aircraft's location, saving valuable time. It's all about getting emergency services to the site quickly to save lives.
"ELT manufacturers will say their devices locate the aircraft too - but that's only when they work."
This decision by the FCC is an opportunity for pilots to enter into the debate and demand that they have access to the best possible safety system, says Bartley "after all, their lives might depend on it".
Bartley says Canada is continuing to delay mandating of 406MHz beacons to ensure legislation addresses how "alternative location devices" can be included, and so giving pilots choice about what sort of location system they use. "The FAA and FCC should consider this sensible approach."
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