All airplanes and helicopters registered in Iceland must be equipped with an active 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT) capable of transmitting simultaneously on 121,5 MHz and 406 MHz. Proper coding and registration of ELTs are essential to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Introduction
All airplanes and helicopters registered in Iceland must be equipped with an active 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT), unless specific exemptions apply. Correct coding and proper registration of ELTs are essential to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Who is required to carry an ELT?
The requirement to carry an ELT applies to all powered aircraft registered in Iceland, including:
Commercial aircraft (Part-CAT)
Private aircraft (Part-NCO)
Helicopters
Registration requirements
All ELTs installed in Icelandic-registered aircraft must be registered with COSPAS-SARSAT through ICETRA by submitting the electronic form.
ICETRA will then register the beacon in COSPAS-SARSAT's international database at 406registration.com.
ELT Coding Requirements
Each ELT must be programmed with a unique 15-character HEX ID, which links the beacon to the specific aircraft and its registered owner.
The correct coding method depends on the equipment installed in the aircraft:
Aircraft type | Recommended coding |
Aircraft with Mode S transponder | Mode S 24-bit address |
Aircraft without Mode S transponder | Aircraft registration mark (TF-XXX) |
Aircraft with more than one beacon (e.g., fixed + portable) | Serial number coding (for additional beacons using the Standard Location Protocol) |
This system ensures each beacon has a unique identifier, even if multiple beacons are installed in the same aircraft.
Further information on coding is available at:
Preferred Coding Methods 406 MHz ELT
COSPAS-SARSAT document C/S S.007 ICE
Maintenance and Testing
To ensure the reliability of ELTs, the following should be done:
Test the ELT during routine maintenance (at least annually or as per manufacturer guidelines).
Replace batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Verify that the correct HEX ID is recorded in maintenance logs.
Always test the ELT according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Always ensure that the beacon is correctly registered with the HEX ID before any testing takes place.
406 MHz ELTs are equipped with a dedicated self-test mode, which is activated using a specific switch or switch position. Activating the self-test does not transmit a distress signal to the COSPAS-SARSAT system, and self-tests may be performed at any time.
Further guidance on testing procedures is available at:
https://www.cospas-sarsat.int/en/beacon-ownership/testing-your-406-mhz-beacon
Links and Further Information
ELT Registration Form:
General ELT Information:
Iceland-Specific Coding Guide:
Preferred Coding Methods 406 Mhz ELT
COSPAS-SARSAT document C/S S.007 ICE
Questions regarding registration, coding or operation of ELTs can be sent to 406@icetra.is
Service provider
The Icelandic Transport Authority