As opposed to commercial ELT testers that are priced as high as $5,000, fleet operations, fixed-based operators plus manufacturers and individual owners can pay as little as $60 to register for 406Test.com, which covers a registration fee and one ELT test. An additional $30 fee is charged for each additional ELT tested.

“Because 406Test.com works with satellites, there is no equipment to buy or install,” said Dr. Scott Morgan, director of business development—satellite services for ACR. “Customers can create an account on www.406Test.com and quickly get started.” According to the company, 406Test.com does not require removing the ELT from the aircraft and can be completed in as little as five minutes.

The 406Test.com website’s coverage includes North and South American land masses and most of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, including Hawaii, allowing beacon owners on land as well as those at sea to use the service. Unlike cell phones and two-way radios, the system uses two geosynchronous GEOSAR satellites to provide dependable coverage.

The system also provides through-the-satellite self-testing for personal locator beacons (PLBs) and emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs). 406Link.com also allows 406 MHz device owners to send non-distress messages for the first time via text/e-mail to family and friends. Pilots carrying PLBs in addition to the mandatory ELT can establish an annual subscription for as little as $39.99 or add multiple text and e-mail messaging and trip planning by upgrading to the Plus Program for $59.99 annually.

For more information on the 406Test.com and 406Link.com services, visit www.406Test.com, or stop by Cobham Life Support-ACR Products’ booth, number 3075-3079, during AirVenture.