Sec.  87.199   Special requirements for 406.0–406.1 MHz ELTs.

   (a) Except for the spurious emission limits specified in  Sec. 87.139(h),
   406.0–406.1 MHz ELTs must meet all the technical and performance standards
   contained in the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics document titled
   “Minimum Operational Performance Standards 406 MHz Emergency Locator
   Transmitters (ELT)” Document No. RTCA/DO–204 dated September 29, 1989. This
   RTCA document is incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
   552(a), and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of the document are available and may be
   obtained from the Radio Technical Commission of Aeronautics, One McPherson
   Square, 1425 K Street NW., Washington, DC 20005. The document is available
   for inspection at Commission headquarters at 445 12th Street, SW.,
   Washington, DC 20554. Copies may also be inspected at the Office of the
   Federal Register, 800 North Capital Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

   (b) The 406.0–406.1 MHz ELT must contain as an integral part a homing beacon
   operating only on 121.500 MHz that meets all the requirements described in
   the RTCA Recommended Standards document described in paragraph (a) of this
   section. The 121.500 MHz homing beacon must have a continuous duty cycle
   that may be interrupted during the transmission of the 406.0–406.1 MHz
   signal only.

   (c) Prior to verification of a 406.0–406.1 MHz ELT, the ELT must be
   certified by a test facility recognized by one of the COSPAS/SARSAT Partners
   that the equipment satisfies the design characteristics associated with the
   COSPAS/SARSAT document COSPAS/SARSAT 406 MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval
   Standard (C/S T.007). Additionally, an independent test facility must
   certify that the ELT complies with the electrical and environmental
   standards associated with the RTCA Recommended Standards.

   (d) The procedures for verification are contained in subpart J of part 2 of
   this chapter.

   (e) An identification code, issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
   Administration (NOAA), the United States Program Manager for the 406.0–406.1
   MHz COSPAS/SARSAT satellite system, must be programmed in each ELT unit to
   establish a unique identification for each ELT station. With each marketable
   ELT unit the manufacturer or grantee must include a postage pre-paid
   registration card printed with the ELT identification code addressed to:
   NOAA/SARSAT Beacon Registration, E/SP3, Federal Building 4, Room 3320, 5200
   Auth Road, Suitland, MD 20746–4304. The registration card must request the
   owner's name, address, telephone, type of aircraft, alternate emergency
   contact, and other information as required by NOAA. The registration card
   must also contain information regarding the availability to register the ELT
   at NOAA's online Web-based registration database at:
   http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov. Further, the following statement
   must be included: “WARNING “ Failure to register this ELT with NOAA before
   installation could result in a monetary forfeiture being issued to the
   owner.”

   (f) To enhance protection of life and property, it is mandatory that each
   406.0–406.1 MHz ELT must be registered with NOAA before installation and
   that information be kept up-to-date. In addition to the identification plate
   or label requirements contained in  Sec.  Sec. 2.925 and 2.926 of this chapter, each
   406.0–406.1 MHz ELT must be provided on the outside with a clearly
   discernable permanent plate or label containing the following statement:
   “The owner of this 406.0–406.1 MHz ELT must register the NOAA identification
   code contained on this label with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
   Administration (NOAA), whose address is: NOAA/SARSAT Beacon Registration,
   E/SP3, Federal Building 4, Room 3320, 5200 Auth Road, Suitland, MD
   20746–4304.” Aircraft owners shall advise NOAA in writing upon change of
   aircraft or ELT ownership, or any other change in registration information.
   Fleet operators must notify NOAA upon transfer of ELT to another aircraft
   outside of the owner's control, or an other change in registration
   information. NOAA will provide registrants with proof of registration and
   change of registration postcards.

   (g) For 406.0–406.1 MHz ELTs whose identification code can be changed after
   manufacture, the identification code shown on the plant or label must be
   easily replaceable using commonly available tools.

   [ 69 FR 32885 , June 14, 2004]

Subpart G—Aeronautical Advisory Stations (Unicoms)