Bertorelli on (US) ELTs - and other beacons.

[Garfly]

[KRviator]

Be careful! Putting a voltmeter on any battery may show full voltage, but what matters is the voltage with the applicable load on the battery. Good voltage doesn't mean anything by itself!

[Yenn]

I didn't find the time to watch Paul, but he usually talks sense. Current thinking in the USA is that the ELLT hasn't really worked for years. A PLB or a mobile phone will work better and ADSB is way better. FAA may drop the requirement for an ELT to be fitted to every aircraft. Our situation is that CASA will allow a PLB to be used as a substitute in experimental aircraft.

[Thruster88]

PLB's can also be used in certified VH aircraft, this came about after a few sad cases where fixed ELT's failed in Australia.

 

https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/1993/aair/aair199303121/

 

https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/1999/aair/aair199900044/

[KRviator]

One thing a lot of people do not realise with PLB's - they must be registered with AMSA in order to qualify as a fixed-ELT replacement. Reference is CAR252A

[Yenn]

Registering with AMSA is an easy and painless job. I have always found them very helpful. I used to swap mine between two aeroplanes and bushwalking.

[KRviator]

Registering with AMSA is an easy and painless job. I have always found them very helpful. I used to swap mine between two aeroplanes and bushwalking.

Yep totally agree! They'll even send you our an SMS reminder when your registration is due for renewal. You can upload photos of what you'll be using the PLB in so they know what they're looking for as well as allowing you to add specific trips (If you're crossing the Simpson in your 'cruiser for eg) and ISTR they also include a battery-due reminder!

 

The ease of use and benefits from registering make it a no-brainer!

[Sam the Swiss]

What kind of PLB are you using in Australia, and what are the costs for the registration with AMSA?

[graham brown]

ELT and PLB’s are fine and mandatory for xc for us. However better technology like ads-b, spot, Inreach etc do not qualify. You have to crash or activate ELT/PLB to alert whereas the others show your track on a web page so your base can find where you are. AMSA and CASA won’t budge. DADogS!

[Thruster88]

What kind of PLB are you using in Australia, and what are the costs for the registration with AMSA?

True blue Aussies use the GME MT410G, registration is free.

[Old Koreelah]

Registering with AMSA is an easy and painless job. I have always found them very helpful. I used to swap mine between two aeroplanes and bushwalking.

...and motorcycling.

[Downunder]

What kind of PLB are you using in Australia, and what are the costs for the registration with AMSA?

https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/

 

There are a few brands. Prices around $300 aud.

https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=plb&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=extendable+prybar