Microlighters

This is of interest to me as I have often thought "Who exactly is sitting monitoring 121.500 waiting for that critical Mayday broadcast"?

So, to test the system I have now made at least twenty 'radio checks' to 121.500 and guess what . . . . . yip, you guessed it . . . . SILENCE!!!

NADA . . . . " " . . . . .

So, can anyone shed some light on what the purpose of 121.500 is in the life of a MPLer?

Personally, I would rather broadcast an emergency on the current channel in the hopes that another aircraft hears my broadcast!

Any views/comments?

Safe Skies!

John.com

ATC monitor 121.5 and so do most of the airliners. Quite possible that you were out of range of either of those when you made your call, or owing to it not being a mayday the airliner ignored it?

If I was on a channel where comms already established with ATC, or on a channel where you knew others were monitoring your calls, I would far rather stay and make my mayday call on that channel than wasting my time in changing. Also depends on the emergency, you may not have time to even make a change in frequency.

skybound® wrote:ATC monitor 121.5 and so do most of the airliners. Quite possible that you were out of range of either of those when you made your call, or owing to it not being a mayday the airliner ignored it?

If I was on a channel where comms already established with ATC, or on a channel where you knew others were monitoring your calls, I would far rather stay and make my mayday call on that channel than wasting my time in changing. Also depends on the emergency, you may not have time to even make a change in frequency.

Thanks for that!

My sentiments as well.

Have luckily never had to make that call (touch wood).

I think it's highly unlikely that in an emergency you would bother trying to change frequency and broadcast there. I think it's far more important to yell for help on your local frequency...if you even have the time to do so.
Most instructors are far more pre ocupied with training you to pick the right forced landing option than the correct RT procedure....and so it should be.

"Aviate, Navigate, Communicate"

Much more important to land your plane safely than broadcast in my opinion.

Interesting topic... Skybound are you saying that any ATC within range monitors 121.5? I admit, I also thought that these were specific "manned stations"....learnt something new, Thanks.

Bundy wrote:Skybound are you saying that any ATC within range monitors 121.5? I admit, I also thought that these were specific "manned stations"

That is my understanding yes

Developments regarding the pending legislation for the compulsory use of ELT / PLT / and Flight Followers.

The 121.5 MHz Air band frequency is traditionally used for emergency voice and radio beacon tracking communications.
The 121.5 MHz ELT (electronic location transmitter) device will be obsolete by 2013. This device transmits a “Whoop Whoop” sound when activated that allows it to be traced to within 50 NM by satellite or search aircraft fitted with the necessary equipment. (Similar to tracking a rhino beacon with a directional antenna fitted to a receiver.)
Only the new and more accurate 406 MHz ELT will be monitored by Satellite from 2013.
CAA has requested legislation to be implemented early in 2013 that will require all aircraft over 600 kg and below 5700 kg to carry a 406 MHz ELT.
All aircraft, including Microlights, will have to install an ELT when flying cross border. All ELT’s must be registered at ATNS / CAA and linked to an aircraft – you cannot use your buddies ELT.
When flying within the borders of South Africa over specially designated areas like the St Lucia wetlands or Knysna forests will require an ELT / PLT (personal location transmitter) for all aircraft, including Microlights.
CAA will allow a “real time flight follower” instead of an ELT within the borders of South Africa. The specification for this device is very loose at this point but it will probably have to be an automatic dedicated device where pilot input is not required.
Traditionally a flight follower is a dedicated Iridium satellite based tracking device that will automatically transmit your position to tracking software on the ground.
Provision has been made for GSM communication devices to be used for this purpose as long as it is within the borders of South Africa.
The intent with an ELT is to have a dedicated tracking device where no pilot input is required. In the case of a PLT, the pilot must activate the unit. As the unit is satellite based, the coverage is guaranteed but the pilot will have to survive to push the button.
The debate will be if your Smartphone meets the definition of an “automatic flight follower”.