What is the primary function of the Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT)?

The primary function of the Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT) is to assist in locating downed aircraft. ELTs are crucial safety devices designed to emit a signal when they are activated, typically in the event of an aircraft crash. This signal is picked up by search and rescue operations, which can significantly expedite the process of finding and rescuing individuals involved in an aviation incident.

The effectiveness of ELTs lies in their ability to transmit on specific frequencies that are monitored by search and rescue authorities and satellites designed for such purposes. This capability makes ELTs an essential tool for improving survival rates during emergencies, as they provide a reliable means of alerting rescuers to the location of an aircraft in distress.

While enhancing passenger safety, providing navigation assistance, and activating emergency flotation devices are all important functions in their own right, they do not represent the primary purpose of the ELT. Its main role is focused on ensuring the aircraft's location is known as quickly as possible following an incident, which directly supports search and rescue efforts.