14 CFR 91.207 — Emergency Locator Transmitters
Requires ELTs on most aircraft, with exceptions for training flights within 50 nm of the departure airport and other specific operations.
Regulation Text
No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil airplane unless there is attached to the airplane an approved automatic type emergency locator transmitter. Exceptions include: training flights within a 50 nautical mile radius; aircraft engaged in design and testing; new aircraft being ferried with a temporary registration; and aircraft equipped with an ELT meeting TSO-C91a criteria.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
Almost every aircraft needs an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) — a device that automatically transmits a distress signal if the aircraft crashes. The main exceptions are training flights within 50 nm of the home airport, aircraft being tested or ferried for delivery, and certain agricultural aircraft. ELTs must be inspected every 12 months, and the battery must be replaced when it reaches 50% of useful life or after 1 cumulative hour of use. Modern ELTs transmit on 406 MHz and can be located by satellite.
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Related Regulations
14 CFR 91.203 — Civil Aircraft: Certifications Required
Requires aircraft to have an airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, and operating limitations aboard.
§91.20514 CFR 91.205 — Powered Civil Aircraft with Standard Category Airworthiness Certificates: Instrument and Equipment Requirements
Lists required instruments and equipment for VFR day, VFR night, and IFR flight. Memorized via ATOMATOFLAMES, FLAPS, and GRABCARD.
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