406-MHz ELTs not required for flights to Canada, for now

By AOPA ePublishing Staff

For the time being, pilots who fly to Canada don’t need to worry about being forced to upgrade to a 406-MHz emergency locator transmitter in order to continue flying in that country. Canadian Minister of Transport John Baird suspended the controversial rule which would have required all aircraft flying in Canada to be equipped with the 406-MHz ELT starting this year.

Canadian Owners and Pilots Association President Kevin Psutka has confirmed for AOPA that the minister refused to sign the rule because it did not include any viable alternatives to equipping with the 406-MHz ELTs. A new rule is to be drafted that includes alternatives and gives the acceptance of the new 406-MHz ELTs a shot.

Right now, the switch to the 406-MHz ELT is cost prohibitive for many pilots. Installation of the new equipment starts at $1,000 but can increase dramatically.

AOPA has been opposed to any proposal that would require the switch to a 406-MHz ELT, believing that such a decision should be left to the pilot’s discretion based on the type of flight operations and areas in which he or she frequently flies.

In October 2008, AOPA filed formal comments on the Canadian proposal, suggesting an alternative that would allow foreign-registered aircraft to carry a 406-MHz personal locator beacon in addition to the 121.5-MHz ELT already installed in most U.S. general aviation aircraft.

“We’re pleased that Canada’s Minister of Transport recognized the detrimental impact the mandate would have had on general aviation aircraft flying into the country,” said Rob Hackman, AOPA senior director of regulatory affairs. “The FAA does not require a 406-MHz ELT, so consistency in regulations between the United States and Canada make it easier for pilots to fly in both countries.”

Online passenger manifests required for international flights

On May 18, pilots who fly internationally will have to provide passenger information to Customs and Border Protection using a new electronic reporting system called the Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS). Pilots must register for an online account and allow one week for the account to be approved. Passenger manifests must be filed at least one hour before departing or arriving the United States; however, they can be filed further in advance from home or wherever you have convenient Internet access. Arrival notification and coordination with the port of entry can be done over the phone. More about how the system works is available online and in AOPA’s issue brief. You also can call the experts in AOPA’s Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA.