Today is 406Day—Beacon Awareness Day—a reminder of the benefits of 406-MHz emergency beacons for aviators and others who might benefit from locator beacon technology. Beacon manufacturer ACR Electronics is urging the aviation industry to spread the word of the benefits of 406-MHz beacon technology, which sends GPS-based position information to Cospas-Sarsat satellites then to the nearest search-and-rescue agency, with location accuracy of less than 100 meters.

ACR recently introduced its latest aircraft-mounted 406-MHz emergency locator transmitter, the ELT 4000, which is powered by alkaline batteries and thus exempt from FAA requirements applying to the installation of lithium batteries.

Last week at the Aircraft Electronics Association conference, it introduced a new personal locator beacon, the Artex PLB. With a seven-year battery life and priced at less than $300, the PLB is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. To activate the PLB, a user extends the unit’s antenna, then flips open the protective cover and presses the “on” button. In addition to transmitting GPS location via 406-MHz to Cospas-Sarsat satellites, the waterproof PLB includes a 121.5-MHz homing beacon and a one-candela strobe light.

“The Artex PLB is an affordable and user-friendly solution for pilots, crew, and passengers flying on a range of small, non-commercial aircraft who might want to improve their safety measures and greatly increase their chances of survival,” said Jeffery Geraci, director of aviation sales for ACR Electronics.