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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