406 ELTs

[N6843N]

So has anyone switched to the new 406 ELT?  I need a new battery for mine and wonder if I should upgrade now or wait? I see that 91.207 has not been changed since 2000. Wonder how long that will last?

[Magnum]

Here in Germany we have to install the 406 ELT. I bought a Kannad 406AF Compact for approx. US$ 900. It has a two wire remote switch available, so you don't have to install a new cable. Mooney has a service instruction (M20-116) for the Airtex installation. This includes the position for the new antenna. In my case, my avionics shop installed it under the dorsal fin.

The only benefit of the 406 ELT is the indication at the remote switch when the ELT is activated.

[kellym]

Quote: Magnum

Here in Germany we have to install the 406 ELT. I bought a Kannad 406AF Compact for approx. US$ 900. It has a two wire remote switch available, so you don't have to install a new cable. Mooney has a service instruction (M20-116) for the Airtex installation. This includes the position for the new antenna. In my case, my avionics shop installed it under the dorsal fin.

The only benefit of the 406 ELT is the indication at the remote switch when the ELT is activated.

[Magnum]

Kelly,

you are right that the 406 ELTs are overall better. In Germany ELTs were not mandatory until now (and only if you want to cross the border). There were not many aircraft lost in the last years, as Germany has a dense population.

A lot of aircraft owners here are upset, as we already pay very high prices for Avgas (more than US$ 11,- right now), we had to install Mode S transponders (but we don't have TIS here, and ADSB will take some time) and now we have to install new ELTs.

I did the installation because if I crash I want them to find me as quickly as possible.

[N6843N]

Don't feel alone Magnum, I am sure the friendly aviation agency will get around to making us install them also. I just hope they wait a couple years.