New Regulations Regarding ELT and PLB Devices

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From 25th August 2016, all UK registered aircraft with an EASA certificate of airworthiness are legally required to carry either an Emergency locator transmitter (ELT) or Personal locator beacon (PLB) for all flights regardless of type of operation or duration of flight. This requirement already exists in many other European countries under the provisions of Part NCO regulations.

From 25 August 2016 EASA Air Operations Regulations came into effect. The Regulations (EU No 965/2012) already apply to Commercial Operations and from 25 August 2016 extend to cover Non Commercial Operations. Commission Regulation EU 800/2013 amending EU No 965/2012 and laying down the technical and administrative requirements applies.

The implementing rules are referred to as Part-NCO and will apply to non-commercial operations using non-complex aircraft. The CAA have set up a website at

www.caa.co.uk/nco which provides useful information about these implementing rules, see: http://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-industry/Aircraft/Operations/Types-of-operation/Part-NCO/Part-NCO/#4294980709-accordioncollapse-3

A major difference is the requirement for the carriage of ELT or PLB at all times on certified and EASA Permit aircraft. Other Permit Aircraft Operators should clarify requirements with their Regulator :

NCO.IDE.A.170 Emergency locator transmitter (ELT)

(a) Aeroplanes shall be equipped with: (1) an ELT of any type, when first issued with an individual CofA on or before 1 July 2008; (2) an automatic ELT, when first issued with an individual CofA after 1 July 2008; or (3) a survival ELT (ELT(S)) or a personal locator beacon (PLB), carried by a crew member or a passenger, when certified for a maximum passenger seating configuration of six or less. (b) ELTs of any type and PLBs shall be capable of transmitting simultaneously on 121,5 MHz and 406 MHz.

For Helicopters:

NCO.IDE.H.170 Emergency locator transmitter (ELT) (a) Helicopters certified for a maximum passenger seating configuration above six shall be equipped with: (1) an automatic ELT; and (2) one survival ELT (ELT(S)) in a life-raft or life-jacket when the helicopter is operated at a distance from land corresponding to more than 3 minutes flying time at normal cruising speed. (b) Helicopters certified for a maximum passenger seating configuration of six or less shall be equipped with an ELT(S) or a personal locator beacon (PLB), carried by a crew member or a passenger. (c) ELTs of any type and PLBs shall be capable of transmitting simultaneously on 121,5 MHz and 406 M.