Folks, I am the Director of Operations for the Virginia Wing Civil
Air Patrol and also an Ercoupe owner. I want to remind you of a major
search and rescue change that is effective today, Feb 1, 09. The
Search SATS that constantly monitor and alert us of a distress signal
are no longer monitoring 121.5. They only monitor the new type 406
beacon.
Most pilots have not planned to install the new 406 ELT's in their
aircraft due to the high cost. The only way we will pick up 121.5 is
from another aircraft or ground facility that monitors this freq. CAP
pilots are required to constantly monitor 121.5 unless it is not
possible due to safety of their flight or as directed by FAA/ATC.
I am suggesting to our CAP pilots that they carry a hand held VHF
transciever and also a cell phone, especially if you do not have the
406 ELT installed. If a 406 goes off the SARSAT picks it up, the
pilot is required to register this equipment when purchased, it gives
us a better idea of the type of aircraft as well as the owner. We
then call the owner to confirm the information, if the aircraft is in
a hangar and activated by error or an actual accident. Additionally
the GPS coordinates received from the 406 ELT provide an exact
lat/long location, making our search much quicker and positive.
Also many pilots as well as boaters,hikers and hunters are buying
their personal 406 ELT which aids in searching. Recently we had a 4
State wide search for a pilot that was overdue. The aircraft impacted
the ground with such force that the ELT antenna was broken off, thus
the signal could not be transmitted to the Satellites. Normal search
procedures were not successful. But his cell phone signal provided a
means of triangulation from the cell towers and he was then located.
Just though I would pass this critical bit of info along to my fellow
Coupers to insure you are all aware of this major change to search
procedures. Finally, if you have the capability to do it, monitor
121.5 when flying and also before you shut down.Maybe your aircraft
was transmitting the 121.5 by error or after making a hard landing.
But as no Coupers make hard landings this should not be a problem.
Another hint - if you have an emergency and the time, place your
transpnder on 7700. I am a retired air traffic controller and that
7700 shows on our radar immediately. Also be sure to transmit in the
blind on 121.5 your situation and mainly your location. The more info
we receive the faster we can get to you.
Jim Truxel
N3439H
KFDK
