Mandatory 406 MHz ELTs for Canadian Aircraft by November 2025

Summary of the Issue

As of November 25, 2025, Transport Canada will require most Canadian-registered aircraft to be equipped with a 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). This regulation applies to nearly all aircraft, with exceptions for gliders, ultralights, gyroplanes, balloons, and airships. The change reflects the global shift away from the older 121.5 MHz-only ELTs, which have not been monitored by satellites since 2009. Aircraft must now carry ELTs that transmit on both 406 MHz for satellite detection and 121.5 MHz for local homing, greatly improving the accuracy and reliability of search-and-rescue efforts.

This regulatory update affects a large portion of the General Aviation community, requiring aircraft owners to update their current ELT systems by the deadline to remain compliant with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR 605.38).

What is COPA doing?

COPA has actively communicated with its membership about the 406 MHz ELT requirement and its implications for General Aviation. Through its advocacy and outreach efforts, COPA has provided educational materials, guidance on compliance options, and timelines to help aircraft owners understand and meet the mandate.

COPA has questioned the rationale behind mandating 406 MHz ELTs where alternate means of compliance exist and might be utilised to provide similar data to Search and Rescue. Systems like SPOT, Spidertracks, and Garmin inReach all provide tracking data and emergency notification, alongside systems providing real-time surveillance like space-based ADS-B, Aerion Locate.

COPA has continued to engage with Transport Canada and the Department of National Defence to advocate for alternative means of compliance, but they are not considering changes to the mandate. 25th November 2025 remains the deadline for most aircraft operators to equip with a 406 MHz ELT.