Hands up all those who held off purchasing a 406 MHz PLB, EPIRB, or ELT until near the 1 February 2009 deadline – and then found no supply available.

That means that those people are now unable to fly legally where carriage of a beacon is required.

AOPA has been in discussion with CASA who are to be commended for coming to a commonsense proposal to keep aircraft flying. They now have to get that proposal through the legal system to allow it to be proclaimed.

CASA are hopeful of (very soon) promulgating a two-month exemption to mandatory carriage of a 406 MHz beacon.

Should the exemption be granted, there will be strings – probably some form of flight plan and/or reporting, and carriage of your 121.5 MHz beacon to assist homing in the event of an accident. Because the 121.5 MHz signal is no longer received by the satellites, the exemption will place a greater burden on AMSA (Search and Rescue) so it is in your interests to comply.

AOPA expects members to welcome the exemption and abide by any alternative arrangements. It just might save a life.

We will bring you more news when CASA can confirm the exemption is legal.

Enquiries Brian Hannan brian.hannan@aopa.com.au