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How often must the battery in an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) be replaced or recharged if it is rechargeable?

  1. Every month

  2. After one-half the battery's useful life

  3. Once every year

  4. Only after full discharge

The correct answer is: After one-half the battery's useful life

The requirement to replace or recharge the battery in an emergency locator transmitter (ELT), if it is rechargeable, is based on generally accepted guidelines and standards for aviation safety. The correct interval is after one-half the battery's useful life has been utilized. This guideline ensures that the ELT is always ready for deployment in an emergency situation, preventing potential failures caused by drained or insufficient batteries during critical times. Battery performance can diminish over time, and relying on a fully discharged battery could lead to inefficiencies or complete malfunction when the ELT is actually needed. Regular maintenance, including replacing or recharging the battery at the specified interval, is crucial for operational readiness and compliance with safety regulations. The other options do not align with the recommended practices, which emphasize a proactive approach to battery management rather than waiting for a month, a full year, or until complete discharge.