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So...Where do you buy one of these?......Angier Ames



Legislation enacted in 1974 requires most U.S. fixed-wing aircraft to carry an

ELT. In 1982, the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system was developed to use the 406

Mhz frequency for distress beacons. The 406.025

Mhz frequency is internationally protected for distress alerting using

satellites.



The 406 MHz ELT uses the COSPAS-SARSAT System and offers the user the benefits

of location accuracy of 2-5 km (1-3 miles), global detection, and a unique

digital signal that is associated with a 406 MHz

beacon registration database. The registration of 406 MHz ELTs is mandatory in

the United States. The registration database is kept at the United States

Mission Control Center (USMCC). The USMCC, located in

Suitland, Maryland -- just outside of Washington, D.C. -- is managed and

operated by NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information

Service, a Commerce Department agency. The mission control

center collects data from U.S. operational ground stations at seven locations.

The USMCC is an integral part of the COSPAS-SARSAT system.



COSPAS-SARSAT is an international search and rescue program that uses polar

orbiting satellites to detect emergency beacons that are activated by

aviation, maritime, and terrestrial users of emergency beacons who

are in distress. COSPAS-SARSAT uses search and rescue payloads aboard NOAA

environmental satellites and Russian navigation satellites. The COSPAS-SARSAT

System has assisted in saving nearly 4,000 lives

since the first save in British Columbia, Canada on September 9, 1982.



When an emergency beacon is activated, the signal is received by the COSPAS

and SARSAT polar orbiting satellites and relayed to an international network

of ground stations. The ground station processes the alert

data and forwards it to a national mission control center (MCC) which sends

the alert message to the appropriate land or maritime rescue coordination

center. There are 13 operational MCCs and 25 operational ground

receiving stations in the international COSPAS-SARSAT System.



406 MHz ELTs are authorized for voluntary use by the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA). The Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), which

represents users, manufacturers, and the search and

rescue community, is currently working on a recommendation to the FAA

concerning mandatory requirements for the 406 ELT.



NOAA estimates that the mandatory requirement for 406 MHz ELTs could result in

over 90 more lives saved annually; greater reduction in injuries; false alert

reduction of at least 95 percent; reduced risks to SAR

responders; and annual savings of $7.1 million to public and private SAR

providers. The first registered 406 MHz ELT opens the door to the eventuality

that all aircraft will carry the COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz ELT

in the future.