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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-elt-inspection-12-months

How often must a required emergency locator transmitter be inspected?

Within 12 calendar months after the last inspection.

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  1. Within 12 calendar months ✔
  2. Every 24 calendar months
  3. Every 100 hours of flight

Why: Rule 91.207 requires an ELT inspection within 12 calendar months of the last one. It checks installation, battery corrosion, the controls and crash sensor, and the signal from the antenna.

Huh, didn't know that: The rule also says automatic ELTs must be mounted as far aft as practicable, to reduce crash damage.

The dad joke
My ELT gets a checkup every year. It's the healthiest thing in my hangar.
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References

Answer: Within 12 calendar months. Rule 91.207 requires an ELT inspection within 12 calendar months of the last one. It checks installation, battery corrosion, the controls and crash sensor, and the signal from the antenna.

  1. 14 CFR 91.207 Emergency locator transmitters www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-91.207
    must be inspected within 12 calendar months after the last inspection
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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