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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-elt-battery-one-hour

An emergency locator transmitter's battery must be replaced after the ELT has been used for how long in total?

More than 1 cumulative hour, or at 50 percent of its useful life.

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  1. More than 24 cumulative hours
  2. More than 1 cumulative hour ✔
  3. More than 10 cumulative minutes

Why: ELT batteries must be replaced, or recharged if rechargeable, when the transmitter has been in use for more than 1 cumulative hour, or when 50 percent of their useful life has expired.

Huh, didn't know that: The ELT itself must also be inspected every 12 calendar months for installation, battery corrosion, controls and signal.

The dad joke
Our ELT joined the quiet club. It only speaks up when called for.
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References

Answer: More than 1 cumulative hour. ELT batteries must be replaced, or recharged if rechargeable, when the transmitter has been in use for more than 1 cumulative hour, or when 50 percent of their useful life has expired.

  1. 14 CFR 91.207 Emergency locator transmitters www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-91.207
    When the transmitter has been in use for more than 1 cumulative hour
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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