CARAC Notice of Activity - PICA and NPA - Emergency Locator Transmitters

Notice to CARAC members,

We have created two new activities (#2015-13 and #2015-14) in the CARAC Activity Reporting System on Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). These two activities address different issues pertaining to ELTs and are to be treated as separate:

1. PICA – Emergency Locator Transmitters (link)

Due to the evolution in ELT technology, Transport Canada intends to examine the potential increase of the maintenance interval for 406 MHz capable ELTs installed on aircraft (Appendix C of Standard 625) and proposes the establishment of a Focus Group. CARAC members are invited to confirm their interest in participating to this Focus Group. Additionally, feedback is being sought related to new ELT design features (Appendix G of Standard 571) and equipment installation standards for ELTs (Airworthiness Manual Section 551.104).

2. NPA – Emergency Locator Transmitters (link)

This NPA is proposing changes to CARs 605.38, 605.39 and 605.40. This NPA is also proposing to amend CAR 571.04 to allow for the installation of stand-alone 406 capable MHz ELT systems to be classified as non-specialized.

The objective of this NPA is to:
• safeguard aviation safety in Canada by ensuring that ELTs on Canadian aircraft are transmitting at the monitored 406 MHz frequency;
• provide a cost-conscious implementation time frame that respects the needs of small business;
• provide a simple, straightforward ELT rule for Canadian aviation which reduces compliance burden;
• ensure that the Canadian civil aviation system fulfills its international obligations, and that civil aviation rules approach harmonization with our international partners where possible in order to facilitate cross-border trade; and
• allow simplified rules for the installation of compliant ELTs.

We would appreciate your comments on both the PICA and the NPA in writing to CARRAC@tc.gc.ca by July 27, 2015.