The newest ELTs transmit on which frequency?

• A. 512 MHz
• B. 406 MHz
• C. 122.025 MHz
• D. 44.72 MHz

Answer: (B)

Newer emergency locator transmitters use 406 MHz because it’s part of the worldwide COSPAS-SARSAT distress system. This frequency carries a digital signal with a unique beacon ID that satellites and ground stations detect, allowing rescuers to locate the emergency quickly and accurately. Older ELTs operated on 121.5 MHz as the primary distress frequency, but satellite monitoring for that band has been phased out in favor of 406 MHz, with 121.5 often used only as a secondary homing aid. The other frequencies listed aren’t used for ELT distress signaling: 512 MHz isn’t an ELT band, 122.025 MHz is a VHF aviation voice channel, and 44.72 MHz isn’t used for this purpose.