With the Canadian mandate for 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) on recreational aircraft set to take effect in less than a year (November 25, 2025), safety and survival specialist ACR Electronics is supporting the aviation industry’s transition to digital ELTs. ACR is highlighting updates to the Canadian Aviation Regulations, which will require all aircraft flying in Canada to be equipped with these advanced safety devices.

The strengthened rules, which require Canadian and foreign-registered aircraft operating in Canada to be equipped with an ELT capable of broadcasting on both frequencies of 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz, were published in the Canada Gazette by Transport Canada on November 25, 2020. Except for gliders, balloons, airships, ultra-light airplanes, and gyroplanes, all commercial air operators, foreign aircraft, and private operators have one year to implement the changes, while recreational operators have five years to comply.

As the leading global provider of ELTs, ACR Electronics brand ARTEX is encouraging all aircraft to replace legacy 121.5 MHz ELTs now with the digital 406 MHz version to receive the benefits of both strengthened safety and regulatory compliance.

The 121.5 MHz ELTs are no longer satellite compatible, which means upgrading to a 406 MHz ELT improves passenger safety and enhances efficiency of search and rescue operations, providing a better chance of survival. There are also cost of ownership benefits for those who invest now in a ARTEX 406 MHz ELT with a five or six year battery life (depending on ELT model), rather than replacing expensive two-year batteries on older, obsoleted 121.5 MHz ELTs.

Heightened industry regulations are accelerating product progression. A 2019 FCC rule prohibiting the manufacture, importation, or sale of 121.5 MHz ELTs in the US preceded the new Canadian mandate.

Now FAA approved with multiple antenna and remote switch options, the small form factor and lightweight ARTEX ELT 345™ is the perfect upgrade solution and the fastest-selling ELT on the market thanks to its competitive price and industry-leading quality standards. The beacon has a 15-inch antenna and a new two-wire slim-line remote switch, enabling three different retrofit configurations featuring flexible options that allow for easier and less expensive installations on experimental and general aviation aircraft. 

The ARTEX ELT 345 transmits on 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz frequencies, providing pilots with a state-of-the-art emergency distress beacon that maximizes frequency stability and power while incorporating a built-in GPS navigational interface. Utilizing the three Cospas-Sarsat Satellite systems, the GEOSAR, LEOSAR, and the new MEOSAR constellations, the ARTEX beacon provides search and rescue forces around the world with the user’s ELT emergency distress message and location in less than three minutes.

Each of the three comprehensive kit options features a two-wire remote switch, coax cable, and antenna, along with the ELT 345 beacon and installation kit. The primary difference between the kits is the antenna and/or switch offering. The most economical option features the standard 23.5-inch black whip antenna and two-wire remote switch. The newly approved ELT 345 kits include a lower profile 15-inch black whip antenna designed for installations requiring a shorter form factor. Lastly, the new slim-line remote switch is perfect for ACK and Ameri-King ELT replacements, as no modification to the switch panel cut-out is required when replacing a legacy phone cord-style switch. As an added benefit, the slim-line switch requires no batteries and uses two-wire connectivity for dependable cockpit panel operation.

Key ARTEX ELT 345 features and specifications include:

• Quick, easy, and affordable retrofit ELT kits for general aviation and experimental aircraft
• Single antenna output for emergency transmission on both 406 MHz (Cospas-Sarsat) and 121.5 MHz (local Search & Rescue) frequencies
• Enhanced position accuracy within 100 meters through built-in GPS interface
• Encoded digital message broadcasts aircraft identification/registration and provides access to owner/emergency contact details
• Rugged stainless-steel mounting tray designed for increased stability in compliance with current FAA guidelines

Transport Canada supports its new requirements by stating several significant benefits that are provided by 406 MHz ELTs, including improved passenger safety by increasing the likelihood that distress signals will be received; enhanced efficiency of search and rescue operations by providing rapid, reliable, and accurate position information to search and rescue services; reduced false alarms; and harmonized emergency locator transmitter requirements with international standards.

ACR Electronics, Inc. (ACR) designs and manufactures an array of ARTEX ELTs, battery packs, and ELT accessories. ARTEX ELTs serve a broad category of aircraft, ranging from general aviation to the world’s leading airframe manufacturers, large commercial airlines, and government aircraft.

For more information about ARTEX Emergency Locator Transmitters, visit the brand’s website at www.ARTEX.com.