121.5 and ELT's
#1
New Hire
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Joined APC: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
121.5 and ELT's
I was (bored) at work this morning listening to the scanner at work and heard an ELT going off (121.5 is included in the scan). Looking up at the clock I noticed that it was just after the start of the hour so I thought nothing of it, it shut off after about a minute. About 15 minutes later I heard another ELT going off and it has now been on for 20 minutes or so. I also heard some garbled transmission that was either to or from a SWA flight.
The question is..Do you guys in the 'big' planes monitor 121.5 or do you leave that to ATC/FSS? If you do, what is your response to a ELT activation or some form of emergency call on 121.5?
The question is..Do you guys in the 'big' planes monitor 121.5 or do you leave that to ATC/FSS? If you do, what is your response to a ELT activation or some form of emergency call on 121.5?
#2
If an ELT is reported, ATC will usually ask aircraft in the area to monitor 21.5 to see if they also hear the ELT; in an attempt to narrow down the location of the signal. New ELTs will incorporate a low freq signal much like a marker beacon that will further aid in the location of an aircraft in distress. I believe the freq is 406mhz.
#3
On longer flights I'll monitor 121.5. Many airliners will do so as well. It's pretty amusing some of the things you'll hear on guard. ELT's are actually relatively common... When I was flying for the airlines I'd hear one about once a week or so.
#4
I monitor 121.5, although it's not SOP. Some regionals don't have a enough radios to monitor ATC, company/ACARS, and the guard, but we do. Who knows I might be able to help somebody out someday.
Actually I have been able to assist GA pilots who missed a handoff and were trying to contact ATC on the guard...that happens monthly.
Actually I have been able to assist GA pilots who missed a handoff and were trying to contact ATC on the guard...that happens monthly.
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