ELT requirements

ELT (emergency locator transmitter): beacon helping search crews find a downed aircraft. Transmits on 121.5, 243 or 406 MHz. Most general aviation aircraft must carry one (CAR 605.38, TC AIM SAR 3.1).

Carriage rules:

• Required ELTs transmit simultaneously on 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz (CAR 605.38(1)).
• Quantity and type: TC AIM SAR 3.9, Table 3.1 (CAR 605.38(2) table words it AD/AF/AP over land, Type S over water).
• Must be armed if flight manual, POH or manufacturer document says so (CAR 605.38(2)).

Required type (TC AIM SAR 3.9, Table 3.1):

Exempt from carrying an ELT (TC AIM SAR 3.9, CAR 605.38(3)):

• gliders, balloons, airships, ultralight aeroplanes, gyroplanes
• flight training unit aircraft training within 25 NM of departure aerodrome (farther out loses exemption)
• aircraft registered in a contracting state with a serviceable 406 MHz beacon (tested life at least 24 hours, Cospas-Sarsat Class 1 or 2 Type Approval Certificate, registered with the authority)
• aircraft on a flight test
• new aircraft on manufacture, preparation or delivery flights (CAR 605.38(3)(e))
• parachute descent aircraft within 25 NM of departure aerodrome
• aircraft under CAR 605.39 (unserviceable ELT, see unserviceable-elt-relief)

Registration (CAR 605.38(4)): owner must register each 406 MHz ELT with the Canadian Beacon Registry, or with the authority of the country in the ELT's coded message.

Trap: FTU training exemption ends beyond 25 NM of departure aerodrome.

Practice