Realtime tracking versus ELTs

[greaneyr]

Hi guys

This is for a project I'm working on (well actually it's for an article). I'm basing my article on 406 MHz beacons, and comparing them to the older 121.5 beacons from a satellite perspective. During my research, I've stumbled across what could be a somewhat interesting deviation: The views of those who actively work in the industry on this subject.

Here's a few of the points I've picked up thus far

1) 121.5MHz is embarrassingly bad when compared to 406MHz from a satellite perspective, and satellite monitoring of it was ceased in february this year to try and reduce unnecessary searches
2) In reality, 406MHz is really only better when the beacon is at least registered (compulsory), and more so when linked to a GPS
3) 406MHz ELTs are comparitively more expensive than 121.5 was, which has upset a number of aircraft owners, particularly those who had only recently bought a new 121.5 beacon
4) Real-time tracking systems exist, but fail to be recognised by powers such as ICAO, therefore, will probably not be considered as a replacement for ELTs in the forseeable future
5) The combination of points 3 and 4 have made a number of owners bring up the case of ZK-HTF, which went down with one of the best 406MHz beacons available at the time but was not detectable by satellites as the antenna had broken off during impact.

What's the general feeling around this subject whenever it comes up around your local aeroclub/workplace/tower/whatever ?

What I'm hoping to find out is why it took such a drastic measure to get users to move away from 121.5-only beacons, when 406 has outperformed them for a number of years. Is there some resistance to them in the GA sector?


Any comments are appreciated.

Richard

[HardCorePawn]

Some casual observations on reasons for the resistance to 406 beacons...

- People hate change (If it ain't broke...)
- Aircraft owners don't like spending money
- Most people don't realise how important ELT's are, until they actually need one. This makes it difficult for people to 'visualise' the benefits that 406 offers
- Being 'forced' (read as: legislated) to do something will generally result in a natural 'why should I?' attitude (seat belts, bike helmets etc)
- Good ole human factors 'invulnerability' ("It won't happen to me")

Note: These are not my personal views... just what I've seen/heard

[pois0n]

The fact that NZCAA made them a requirement 6 months ahead of most other countries meant that it cost NZ aircraft owners quite a bit more too I think

[Trev]

The RNZAF have been using 406mhz personal locator beacons for well over 7 years. The change over to 406mhz has been published for along time. If you bought a 121.5mhz beacon recently then thats just stupid. The dealer of the beacon would have known about the change over even if the buyer didnt.

Trev