📘14 CFR §91.207 - Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs)

✏️ Plain-English Summary:

Most general aviation aircraft are required to have an ELT installed and in working condition. The ELT is designed to help search and rescue locate you if you crash. But there are exceptions to when it’s required and specific inspection/replacement rules you must follow.

✅ Key Takeaways for PPL Students:

🛰 What is an ELT?

• A self-contained emergency transmitter that sends a signal on 121.5 MHz (older models) or 406 MHz (newer ones)

• Activates automatically when crash-level forces are detected or manually triggered

🚫 When is an ELT Not Required?

You may fly without an ELT only if:

• The aircraft is being ferried to a location where the ELT will be installed/repaired (with FAA approval)

• The aircraft is engaged in training within a 50 NM radius of its departure airport

• The aircraft is certified for only one occupant

• The aircraft is used for agricultural operations

🔁 Inspection & Battery Rules:

Requirement	Rule
🔧 ELT must be inspected	Every 12 calendar months (for operation, battery corrosion, and mount)
🔋 Battery must be replaced	If it’s been used for more than 1 cumulative hour OR 50% of its useful life has expired
📖 Maintenance log	Must include date of inspection, battery expiration date, and sign-off

✈️ Scenario:

You’re flying a DA40 on a local training flight and notice the ELT battery expired last week. ❌ Not legal — training flights still require an ELT unless you’re within a 50 NM radius and meet the training-only carve-out.

You flew yesterday and the ELT activated after a hard landing, transmitting for 1.2 hours. ❌ You now must replace the battery — it has exceeded its usage limit.

🧠 Memory Aids:

• "1 Hour or 50%" = Replace the battery

• "Every 12 Months" = Inspect the ELT

• "121.5 is for Search" — Newer ELTs also send signals on 406 MHz (monitored by satellites)

🎓 CFI Teaching Tip:

Include ELT status as a standard part of your student’s preflight briefing:

• Where is it?

• How do you test it?

• When does it get inspected?

• When must it be replaced?

Pro Tip: Show students how to find ELT info in the aircraft logbooks and DA40 POH (Section 9/10).

📚 References:

• FAR: 14 CFR §91.207

• AIM 6-2-4: ELT Operation

• DA40 AFM/POH – Emergency Equipment Section

• CAPTn Stage 1 Questions – ELT battery/inspection questions​