EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT)

A radio transmitter attached to the aircraft structure which operates from its own power source on 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz. It aids in locating downed aircraft by radiating a downward sweeping audio tone, 2-4 times per second. It is designed to function without human action after an accident.

Listed in the Pilot/Controller Glossary as a cross-reference to EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT), whose text is shown above.

Source FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary↗ · checked 2026-08-25