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2.8 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT, aka ELBA or ELB).
An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) is a battery-operated radio transmitter designed to help search and rescue services locate an aircraft after an accident or forced landing.
It may also be referred to as an:
- ELT — Emergency Locator Transmitter
- ELBA — Emergency Locator Beacon Aircraft
- ELB — Emergency Locator Beacon
The ELT transmits a distress signal that can be detected by:
- Aircraft
- Ground stations
- Satellites
2.8.2 State the frequency(ies) on which the ELT transmits.
An ELT transmits on two main frequencies:
- 121.5 MHz VHF
- 406 MHz UHF
121.5 MHz
The 121.5 MHz signal is the international aviation distress frequency.
It transmits a continuous swept audio tone that can be heard on a VHF radio.
406 MHz
The 406 MHz signal is transmitted approximately every 50 seconds.
This signal contains identification information programmed into the ELT.
The 406 MHz signal is detected by satellites, which pass the information to the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).
This allows search and rescue services to:
- Identify the aircraft
- Begin locating it more quickly