C-126 ELT (121.5/243.0/406 MHz)

An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) is a device that can be manually or automatically activated to transmit a distress signal to a satellite. ELTs that activate automatically use a “G-Switch” (gravity switch) that triggers the ELT when it senses that a crash has occurred. With ELTs, Search and Rescue teams may more easily pin-point the exact location of a downed aircraft. So, section 91.207 of the Federal Aviation Regulations states that no person as well as Part 121 operators and operations governed by Part 135 may operate a U.S. registered civil aircraft unless an approved automatic type emergency locator transmitter is attached to the aircraft. Similar regulations are established by aviation authorities’ through-out the world.

TSO C-126 prescribes the minimum performance standard that an ELT operating on 406.0 Megahertz must meet as well as determines the requirement for the aircraft owner to register the digital message programmed into the ELT with Cospas/Sarsat.  TSO C-126 approved ELTs will also transmit on 121.5 MHz frequency, however satellite alerting of the 121.5 MHz distress signal will be discontinued after February 1, 2009.

The Artex B406, C406-1, C406-2. C406-N, G406 and ME406 series ELTs are TSO C91a, TSO C126 and Cospas/Sarsat approved. See listing of TSO C126 ELTs in the navigation panel on the left and chose a ELT series for further information. All Artex TSO C126 ELTs are required to pass environmental tests as per RTCA/DO-204. See “Artex Capabilities” section for list of performed tests.