NTIA urged the FCC to take steps to phase...

NTIA urged the FCC to take steps to phase out use of emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) that are operated in the 121.5 MHz band by pilots of small aircraft, in favor of systems that use the 406 MHz band. ELTs must be installed in many aircraft under FAA rules. NTIA said that “406 MHz ELTs are superior to 121.5 MHz-only equipment in their ability to increase the efficiency and accuracy of search and rescue operations, thereby minimizing threats to life and property, reducing costs of federal and state search and rescue operations, and improving the likelihood that such operations will be successful"(http://bit.ly/1dtA4jz). “The costs to aircraft owners to transition from 121.5 MHz-only to 406 MHz ELTs have declined in recent years and likely will continue to do so in the years to come. These costs are significant but must be balanced against other compelling factors in this proceeding.” Last year, the Department of Transportation and FAA said the FCC should allow use of both systems. While 406 MHz systems are superior “we believe that 121.5 MHz-only ELTs continue to provide a beneficial means of locating missing aircraft in critical emergency situations and that a prohibition of their use should not be imposed by regulation,” DOT and FAA said (http://bit.ly/1ki2gOQ).