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When may an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) be tested?

  1. Anytime

  2. During the first 5 minutes after the hour

  3. Last 5 minutes before the hour

  4. Every 10 hours of flight

The correct answer is: During the first 5 minutes after the hour

An emergency locator transmitter (ELT) is a crucial safety device in aviation that helps locate downed aircraft. Regulations specify when an ELT may be tested to ensure that it does not interfere with distress frequencies used to locate aircraft in emergencies. Testing is specifically allowed during the first five minutes after the hour. This time frame was established to minimize the risk of interference with emergency signals and to ensure that the frequency is clear for other aircraft and search and rescue operations that might be active. Outside of this designated testing window, transmitting on the distress frequency could lead to serious issues, including delayed response to actual emergencies by search and rescue teams. The other choices do not align with regulatory standards for ELT testing, as they either suggest times that could conflict with emergency transmissions or do not adhere to the specific regulations set forth by aviation authorities.