When should an ELT be turned on in an emergency?

An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) is a crucial safety device designed to assist emergency response personnel in locating an aircraft that has encountered difficulties. The correct practice is to activate the ELT immediately upon realizing a distress situation. This is important because the quicker the ELT is activated, the sooner search and rescue operations can be initiated, significantly increasing the chances of a successful outcome.

Turning on the ELT right away ensures that the distress signal is broadcasted to satellites and other aircraft in the vicinity, which can lead to a prompt response. Delaying activation, such as waiting to contact Air Traffic Control (ATC) or waiting for instructions from them, could waste valuable time in critical situations. Since the primary role of the ELT is to alert others to your emergency, immediate action is essential to enhance safety and survival chances.