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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-elt-406-satellite

Since 2009, which ELT frequency do Cospas-Sarsat satellites still pick up?

406 MHz, the digital ELT frequency.

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  1. 121.5 MHz
  2. 406 MHz ✔
  3. 243.0 MHz

Why: In 2009 the satellite system stopped listening for the older 121.5 and 243.0 MHz ELTs. Airplanes with only those older units depend on a nearby ATC facility or a passing aircraft hearing the signal.

Huh, didn't know that: A registered 406 MHz ELT sends owner information, so rescuers can phone the owner to check whether the alert is real.

The dad joke
My ELT and I have a lot in common. We both only speak up when something goes wrong.
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References

Answer: 406 MHz. In 2009 the satellite system stopped listening for the older 121.5 and 243.0 MHz ELTs. Airplanes with only those older units depend on a nearby ATC facility or a passing aircraft hearing the signal.

  1. AIM 6-2-4, Emergency Locator Transmitter www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap6_section_2.html
    NOAA also operates the United States' portion of the Cospas-Sarsat satellite distress alerting system designed to detect activated 406 MHz ELTs and other distress alerting devices.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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