FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the purpose of an emergency locator transmitter (ELT)?

1. To provide flight data for air traffic control

2. To indicate the location of a downed aircraft

3. To transmit weather updates to pilots

4. To enhance onboard navigation systems

The correct answer is: To indicate the location of a downed aircraft

The purpose of an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) is to indicate the location of a downed aircraft. ELTs are designed to activate automatically in the event of a crash or can be manually activated by the pilot or crew. Once activated, the device transmits a distress signal on a specific frequency that can be picked up by search and rescue teams and aircraft overhead. This signal typically includes information about the aircraft's location, which is crucial for timely and efficient rescue operations. ELTs significantly enhance the chances of finding an aircraft that has gone down, especially in remote or challenging terrain, as they send out a beacon signal that is easier for rescuers to locate compared to searching a vast area without guidance. Other options, such as providing flight data for air traffic control, transmitting weather updates, or enhancing navigation systems, do not align with the primary function of an ELT, which centers on locating an aircraft in distress.