VFR REGULATIONS 14 / LEARN · EXPLORE · CHECK
ELT: readiness and batteries
A rescue transmitter needs a working installation and a current battery.
Your learning goals
- Apply the normal requirement.
- Recognize the limits and exceptions that affect this flight.
- Explain a decision using the scenario and supporting rule.
The normal requirement
A U.S.-registered civil airplane generally needs an approved, operable ELT attached as required. §91.207 has specific exceptions; one is training conducted entirely within 50 NM of the departure airport. Do not treat a local-training exception as permission for a personal cross-country.
Two clocks and a usage trigger
- Inspect within 12 calendar months after the last inspection: installation, battery corrosion, controls/crash sensor, and sufficient radiated antenna signal.
- Replace or recharge batteries after more than one cumulative hour of use.
- Also replace/recharge when 50% of manufacturer-established useful life or charge life has expired; mark the new expiration date on the outside of the transmitter and enter it in the aircraft maintenance record. The life rule excludes batteries essentially unaffected by probable storage, such as water-activated types.
Removal is a specific exception
Temporary removal for inspection, repair, modification, or replacement requires the specified aircraft-record entry and a pilot-visible ELT not installed placard, and is limited to 90 days after initial removal. Ferry provisions have their own limitations, including necessary crewmembers only. Resolve the actual exception before flying.
FLIGHT SCENARIO
What would change your plan?
An ELT has transmitted for a total of 70 minutes, but its printed battery date is next year. Is the date enough?
- NoticeWhat does this situation require?
- VerifyWhat evidence is still missing?
- DecideWhat keeps an option open?
Compare your reasoning
No. More than one cumulative hour of use independently triggers battery replacement or recharge.
SUMMARY
A rescue transmitter needs a working installation and a current battery.
No. More than one cumulative hour of use independently triggers battery replacement or recharge.
Before moving on, explain the decision in your own words: what would you verify, and what would make you change the plan?
PRACTICE
Flashcards and knowledge check
Six flashcards, then five questions with explanations.
Enable JavaScript for flashcards and the knowledge check. The lesson and scenario remain available without it.
Sources & lesson notes
Sources & lesson notes
- 14 CFR §91.207Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
For U.S. private-pilot airplane study. Rules verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026, with linked FAA guidance. Scenarios isolate a rule; actual flight decisions require all applicable rules, aircraft limitations, and current information.