ELT/PLB in France

[gregorp]

I notice that the French require PtF aircraft to have an ELT. Does anyone know if a PLB is acceptable?

[tnowak]

I think this topic came up a few years ago and, I believe, the general consensus war that a PLB was acceptable in PtF aeroplanes.
Tony Nowak

[tim_bailey125]

I am taking my PtF aircraft abroad next week for an extensive tour of Europe and taking a PLB, so I will let you know if I get into any trouble!

[Nigel Hitchman]

Where does it say that permit aircraft require an ELT?
It always used to be that C of A aircraft required an ELT, but permit aircraft (French designation CNRA) did not.
I don't have one and never been asked for one. I would say that if the French regulations say ELT, then only an ELT will do if you are asked for one, the French are always very relaxed, but if they come to check paperwork and things, they are very much to the letter of the law.

[Brian Hope]

Tony is correct, this did come up a while ago. The French DGAC published an AIC in 2008 outlining the requirements. French Permit type aircraft (CDNR etc) and microlights are specifically excluded from the requirement but are recommended to carry either an ELT or a PLB.

It appears that the interpretaion of the rules by the French authorities is that the exclusion of the requirement to carry an ELT or PLB is solely applicable to French microlights and 'permit types' and not our UK Permit to Fly. A member reports that he was ramp checked at Abbeville three years ago and was specifically asked for his PLB. When he questioned the exclusion of permit types he was told that the UK Permit to Fly was not listed (only French euivelents are) so it was not excluded from the requirement. So, if you are flying in France you need either an ELT or a PLB to comply with their interpretation of the regulations.

Full details in English are available here: https://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr ... _10_EN.pdf

[gregorp]

Thanks for the info Brian. Will have to lash out yet a few more quid!!