Elt's

[Blackmac]

Transport Canada

 

 

 

News release

 

 

 

 

No. H 188/08

For release - August 8, 2008

 

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA PROPOSES ENHANCED REGULATIONS TO BETTER LOCATE AIRCRAFT IN DISTRESS

OTTAWA — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced proposed amendments to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) to help search and rescue authorities better locate aircraft in distress.

 

The Government of Canada is proposing performance-based regulations that will require aircraft to be equipped with an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) operating at the 406 MHz frequency or any other alternative means of notification of emergency and location of aircraft, provided that the system meets the same accuracy standards as a 406 MHz ELT. Current CARs require most aircraft to be equipped with a functioning ELT that can transmit on 121.5 MHz frequency.

 

"Our government is proposing emergency locator transmitter equipment because it is the aircraft's lifeline to search and rescue services, and helps save lives," said Minister Cannon. "Our government remains dedicated to keeping Canada's transportation systems and Canadians safe and secure."

 

These regulations will harmonize Canadian requirements with international standards. The International Civil Aviation Organization mandated the use of 406 MHz ELTs for all international commercial passenger-carrying operations and has recommended the use of such ELTs for all other aircraft by February 1, 2009.

 

Starting February 1, 2009, Corpas-Sarsat, the international organization responsible for the coordination of satellite detection distress signals, will cease monitoring distress signals from 121.5 MHz ELTs. Only ELTs operating at the 406 MHz frequency will be monitored.

 

The proposed amendment will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on August 9, 2008. Canadians have 75 days in which to review the proposed amendment and respond to it. The Government of Canada would then review the comments in order to develop a final amendment for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II.

 

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Contacts:

 

Catherine Loubier

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of Transport,Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa

613-991-0700

Media Relations

Transport Canada, Ottawa

613-993-0055