ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)

A battery-powered radio transmitter carried aboard most general aviation aircraft that activates automatically upon impact to transmit a distress signal on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz. The 406 MHz signal is detected by the international COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, enabling search and rescue teams to locate a downed aircraft. ELTs must be inspected every 12 months and batteries replaced per the manufacturer schedule.