RAAus Notice: February 1, 2009

February 1, 2009: Change-over to 406 MHz distress beacons

Today the SARSAT/COSPAS satellites ceased processing distress signals on 121.5 MHz and now only process signals from more advanced 406 MHz digitally encoded PLBs, ELTs or EPIRBs. While RA-Aus members are not required to carry a distress beacon, many of our members wisely do so. The 406 MHz beacons also transmit a fifteen character beacon identity code which is retransmitted by the satellite. This ID should be registered with AusSAR's data base and linked to your personal and aircraft details. Part of the functional working of the 406 MHz beacon system is having the owner of the beacon register it with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) — this will be compulsory under new CASA regulations.

Please switch to a 406 MHz beacon and register that beacon as soon as possible. In order to make the process of registration and upkeep of details easier, AMSA has developed an online registration program. This system is now available to all beacon owners to use and there is no charge for its use; go to beacons.amsa.gov.au to register your unit.

A listing of AMSA approved personal locator beacons (PLBs) is available at beacons.amsa.gov.au/approved_models.asp.