Emergency Locator Transmitter/Mode S

Every aircraft registered on the Gibraltar Aircraft Register must be fitted with a Mode S transponder programmed with a unique 24-bit address and must carry a 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). The 24-bit Mode S address is assigned by the GCAA at the time of registration and must remain correctly programmed in the aircraft for the duration of its time on the Gibraltar register.

The ELT must be coded with the aircraft’s unique HEX ID and registered with the COSPAS-SARSAT system. Programming the aircraft’s transponder and the registration of the ELT are the operator’s responsibility. Full technical requirements are contained in CAP AIR 09.

MODE S TRANSPONDER

• Your aircraft must carry a Mode S transponder programmed with the 24-bit address assigned by the GCAA.
• The address must be verified as correctly installed at the initial fit and rechecked at least every two years.
• After any transponder modification or maintenance, confirm the address has not been changed.
• When your aircraft leaves the Gibraltar register, the assigned 24-bit address must be removed from the aircraft.

EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT)

• Your aircraft must carry a 406 MHz ELT of the type and quantity required under the applicable CAR OPS standard.
• The ELT must be coded with a HEX ID that identifies the aircraft and its emergency contacts.
• You must register your ELT at 406registration.com to obtain a COSPAS-SARSAT Type Approval (CSTA) number before submitting Form REG 04 to the GCAA.
• At least one emergency contact listed on the registration must be reachable at all times and must know the current location of the aircraft.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A 24-BIT MODE S ADDRESS

1. Complete Form REG 09 with your aircraft registration mark, manufacturer, model, serial number, and TCDS reference.
2. Submit Form REG 09 together with your Certificate of Registration application.
3. The GCAA will issue Form REG 19 confirming your assigned 24-bit address in binary, hexadecimal, and octal format.

Note: If your aircraft transfers to another registry, your Gibraltar-assigned address must be removed. A new address will be issued by the new registering authority.

HOW TO REGISTER YOUR ELT

1. Register your ELT at 406registration.com and obtain your CSTA number.
2. Complete Form REG 04 with your aircraft details, ELT details, CSTA number, and emergency contact information.
3. Submit the completed form. Your ELT will be recorded on the GCAA database and registered with the Gibraltar Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC).