ELT 406 Installations
Transport Canada has issued an exemption to the Canadian Aviation Regulations regarding 406 ELT installations. As of March 20, 2008, a standalone installation of a 406 ELT no longer requires a specialized maintenance rating and can be completed by any AME or AMO. Below is the official exemption.
Who Can Install Your 406 MHz ELT? Transport Canada’s Simplified Rules
Transport Canada introduced an exemption that makes it easier and more affordable to install TSO C126 406 MHz ELTs. Normally, this type of work requires a specialized avionics maintenance rating — but thanks to this exemption, a wider range of qualified technicians can now perform the installation.
What This Means for Aircraft Owners
You can now have a standalone 406 MHz ELT installed by:
Any AME with an M1, M2, or E rating (for private aircraft)
Technicians with Aircraft Certification Authority (ACA) working in an AMO that doesn’t hold an avionics rating
This opens the door to more installation options without compromising safety.
Safety Requirements Still Apply
To meet Transport Canada standards, the installer must:
Use an ELT that meets TSO C126 and is approved by Transport Canada and Industry Canada
Install it as a standalone unit (no interface with other aircraft systems)
Follow all official installation instructions
Complete a successful functional test after the installation
These steps ensure your new ELT performs exactly as it should in an emergency.
Why the Change?
Transport Canada determined that allowing qualified AMEs and ACAs to install these ELTs is in the public interest and does not reduce aviation safety. It simply makes the process more accessible and efficient for aircraft owners.
