Transport Canada Extends Exemption for Installation of 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters Under Specialized Maintenance Rules

As a result of the ongoing delay in regulating carriage of 406 MHz emergency locator transmitters on Canadian-registered aircraft, TCCA has issued a new exemption to extend the period of relief to specifically identified persons from the avionics specialized maintenance rules when they install and certify a maintenance release for the installation of TSO C126 406 MHz ELTs in an aircraft. The new exemption extends the period of relief to March 31, 2011.

The complete text can be viewed at www.tc.gc.ca/aviation/applications/exemptions/docs/en/2052.htm.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS: The main text of the exemption states:
EXEMPTION FROM SECTION 571.04 OF THE CANADIAN AVIATION REGULATIONS — Pursuant to subsection 5.9(2) of the Aeronautics Act, and after taking into account that the exemption is in the public interest and is not likely to affect aviation safety, I hereby exempt Canadian installers of TSO C126 406 MHz ELTs from complying with the avionics specialized maintenance requirements of Section 571.04 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this exemption is to provide relief to specifically identified persons from the avionics specialized maintenance rules when they install and certify a maintenance release for the installation of TSO C126 406 MHz ELTs in an aircraft.

APPLICATION: This exemption applies either to holders of an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) license with an M1, M2 or E rating when the TSO C126 406 MHz ELT is to be installed in a private aircraft, or to a person who has aircraft certification authority for the type of aircraft involved when working within an approved maintenance organization that does not have a rating for the performance of avionics specialized maintenance.

CONDITIONS: This exemption shall be subject to the following conditions:

1. The 406 MHz ELT is designed to TSO C126 standards and appears on the list of ELTs approved by Transport Canada and certified by Industry Canada.
2. The 406 MHz ELT equipment must not be interfaced with any other systems.
3. The installer follows all applicable installation instructions produced pursuant to TSO C126, including the requirement to register the unit.
4. The installer properly performs a successful post installation function test to ensure the 406 MHz ELT is functioning as described in its operating instructions. 

VALIDITY: This exemption will be in effect until the earliest of the following:

1. March 31, 2011;
2. the date on which an amendment to the Canadian Aviation Regulations or related standards modifying the subject matter specifically addressed in this exemption, comes into affect;
3. the date on which any of the conditions set out in this exemption is breached; or
4. the date on which this exemption is cancelled in writing by the Minister, where he is of the opinion it is no longer in the public interest or is likely to affect aviation safety.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, by email at ricp@aea.net or by phone at 202-589-1144.