Approved Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT)

406 MHz ELT Coding Protocols

The ELT coding shall conform to the following protocols:

1. An ELT that is able to determine its own location, and transmit this location information in the beacon's message shall be coded:
   1. in the case of a Type AF, AP or AD ELT, using the Standard Location Protocol and the 24-bit binary aircraft identification assigned to the aircraft by Transport Canada when registering the aircraft to uniquely identify the ELT;
   2. in the case of a Type S ELT, using the Standard Location Protocol and unique serial number assigned to the ELT by the ELT manufacturer and the Cospas-Sarsat beacon type approval certificate number to uniquely identify the ELT;
2. an ELT that is not able to determine its own location, shall be coded:
   1. in the case of a Type AF, AP or AD ELT, using the Serial User Protocol with the 24-bit binary aircraft identification assigned to the aircraft by Transport Canada when registering the aircraft to uniquely identify the ELT;
   2. in the case of a Type S ELT, using the Serial User Protocol with a unique Beacon Serial Number;
3. the country code shall reflect the state in which the aircraft is registered.

Information note:
In the case of a change of aircraft ownership and/or registration, the onus shall be placed on the purchaser or lessee to ensure that any changes to the 406-MHz ELT coded information is completed, and that the revised information has been brought to the attention of the Canadian Beacon Registry. In the case of aircraft which are already equipped with survival type ELTs (ELT(S)), it is preferred that the country code be changed to reflect the state in which the aircraft is registered, and that the appropriate beacon registry be notified.

To receive Transport Canada approval an ELT shall comply
with the applicable design standard specified in Chapter 551,
paragraph 551.104(e) of the Airworthiness Manual (MN). These standards include:

• TSO-C91a (or FAA TSO-C91) — Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Equipment
• TSO-C126 — 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

In order for the ELT to be installed in an aircraft, the requirements of paragraph 551.104 of the AWM must be met and the appropriate installation approval received from Transport Canada.

It is the responsibility of the installer of an ELT to ensure that the ELT complies with any applicable Airworthiness Directives (AD), including Transport Canada AD CF-81-29R2 “Emergency Locator Transmitters” in respect of lithium sulfur dioxide (LiSO2) battery types. However, lithium battery technology has significantly improved in the last two decades and the FAA has issued TSO C-142 and TSO C-142a standards. TCCA has determined that batteries that are meeting the TSO C-142 standard or later revisions would have an acceptable level of safety. As a result Transport Canada has issued Alternate Means of Compliance (AMOC) – AARDG 2008/A13 to AD CF-81-29R2 – Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT).

Inquiries concerning Transport Canada approval of emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) and related batteries should be directed to:

Chief, Project Management
Transport Canada – National Aircraft Certification (AARDE)
330 Sparks Street, 3rd Floor, Tower C, Place de Ville
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N8
Telephone: 613-952-4339
Fax: 613-996-9178
E-mail: turnbud@tc.gc.ca

The joint approval by Transport Canada and Industry Canada is required for the use of ELTs in Canada. The following list identifies those ELTs that have been approved by Transport Canada and which have been certified by Industry Canada.

Note: Those ELTs that show the applicable airworthiness standard as both TSO-C126 and TSO-C91a include the required functionality of each TSO within the same ELT. This is allowed for within TSO-C126.