UAM.IDE.MVCA.280 Emergency locator transmitters (ELTs)

AUTOMATIC ELT OR AUTOMATIC TRACKING DEVICE

(a)An automatic ELT fitted on the VCA should comply with ETSO-C126b or ETSO-C126c, as applicable according to the date of issue of the individual CofA. First Generation Beacon (FGB) ELTs should be able to transmit an encoded position of the VCA from an internal GNSS receiver.

(b)The airborne system used in order to comply with point UAM.IDE.MVCA.280, when not based on an automatic ELT, should:

(1)be combined with an ELT(S) or a PLB;

(2)comply with the applicable ETSO;

(3)comply with the Certification Specifications for Airborne Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CS-ACNS) issued by EASA, or equivalent, and the transmission service provider should be certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/373 (the ‘ATM/ANS Regulation’).

(c)The ground part of the VCA tracking system should automatically identify an abnormal lack of position reporting and alert the operator. It should also be capable of automatically transmitting tracking data and alerting signals to search and rescue services.

TYPES OF ELT AND GENERAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

(a)Point (a) of AMC2 CAT.IDE.H.280 lists the applicable types of ELTs. An ‘automatic ELT’ means an ELT(AF), ELT(AP) or ELT(AD).

(b)To minimise the possibility of damage in the event of crash impact, the automatic ELT should be rigidly fixed to the VCA structure, as far as this is practicable, with its antenna and connections arranged so as to maximise the probability of the signal being transmitted after a crash.

(c)Any ELT carried should operate in accordance with the relevant provisions of ICAO Annex 10 ‘Aeronautical Telecommunications’ Volume III and should be registered with the national agency responsible for initiating search and rescue or any other competent agency.

PLB TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

(a)A PLB should have a search and rescue satellite-aided tracking (COSPAS-SARSAT) type approval number. However, devices with a COSPAS-SARSAT number belonging to series 700 are excluded as this series of numbers identifies the special-use beacons not meeting all the technical requirements and all the tests specified by COSPAS-SARSAT.

(b)A First Generation PLB should have a built-in GNSS receiver. (c Any PLB carried should be registered with the national agency responsible for initiating search and rescue or any other competent agency.

BRIEFING ON THE USE OF PLB When a PLB is carried by a passenger, the PIC should brief that passenger, prior to the flight, on the PLB characteristics and use.

ELT AND PLB BATTERIES

(a)All batteries used in ELTs or PLBs should be replaced (or recharged, if the battery is rechargeable) when the equipment has been in use for more than 1 cumulative hour or in the following cases:

(1)Batteries specifically designed for use in ELTs and having an airworthiness release certificate (EASA Form 1 or equivalent) should be replaced or recharged before the end of their useful life in accordance with the maintenance instructions applicable to the ELT.

(2)Standard batteries manufactured in accordance with an industry standard and not having an airworthiness release certificate (EASA Form 1 or equivalent), when used in ELTs, should be replaced or recharged when 50 % of their useful life, as established by the battery manufacturer, has expired.

(3)All batteries used in PLBs should be replaced or recharged when 50 % of their useful life, as established by the battery manufacturer, has expired.

(4)The battery useful life criteria in points (1), (2) and (3) do not apply to batteries (such as water-activated batteries) that are essentially unaffected during probable storage intervals.

(b)The new expiry date for a replaced or recharged battery should be legibly marked on the outside of the equipment.

AUTOMATIC ELT OR AUTOMATIC TRACKING DEVICE

(a)ETSO-C126b is applicable for VCA first issued with an individual CofA on or before 1 July 2030. ETSO-C126c is applicable for VCA first issued with an individual CofA after 1 July 2030.

(b)A First Generation Beacon (FGB) ELT is an ELT that has been approved in accordance with ETSO-C126b or ETSO-C126c with capability ‘First generation’. A Second Generation Beacon (FGB) ELT is an ELT that has been approved in accordance with ETSO-C126c with capability ‘Second generation’.

(c)A ‘tracking system compliant with the applicable ETSO’ means that it either complies with a particular ETSO or is part of the certified type design definition of the VCA.