Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

The Frequency(ies) on which the ELT/PLB Transmits.

The ELT and PLB are battery operated radio transmission devices that emit a radio signal which is modulated by a downward swept audio tone:

• on the international distress frequency 121.5 MHz (VHF) and
• every 50 seconds also transmits a pulse on 406MHz (UHF).  

This 50 second interval transmission contains identification data programmed into the ELT/PLB and is received by satellites which then transfer the data to the National Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ). 

The Procedures to follow in the case of Inadvertent ELT Activation.

If the ELT has been inadvertently activated, this should be shown by the red LED light flashing or you have tuned your radio to 121.5 MHz and heard the signal.  

If you have inadvertently activated the ELT you should turn the switch to ON, hold it for not longer than 5 seconds, and then return the switch to ARM.  

Then immediately contact either the RCCNZ or ATC to inform them of an accidental activation. 

The Requirements for the Carriage of an ELT/PLB.

A microlight aircraft must carry at least one operable ELT or PLB:

• If the microlight aircraft is operated more than 10 nm from the aerodrome from which it took off: