Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
Private Pilot ACS · Area IX · Task D · POH/AFM, FAA-H-8083-3
Everything you need to know about Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task IX-D, covering emergency equipment and survival gear.
ELT Types & Requirements §
121.5/243 MHz (older analog): No longer monitored by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites since 2009. Only monitored by pilots or ATC who happen to be listening. Far less effective for SAR.
406 MHz (digital): Monitored worldwide by COSPAS-SARSAT satellite network. Transmits aircraft registration and GPS coordinates. SAR response time dramatically faster. Far superior.
Inspection requirements (91.207): Inspect every 12 months. Replace battery when 50% of useful life expires or after 1 cumulative hour of use.
False activation: Notify FSS (1-800-WX-BRIEF) immediately. Squawk 7700 briefly, then 1600 to help SAR rule out. Turn off ELT to stop transmission.
406 MHz (digital): Monitored worldwide by COSPAS-SARSAT satellite network. Transmits aircraft registration and GPS coordinates. SAR response time dramatically faster. Far superior.
Inspection requirements (91.207): Inspect every 12 months. Replace battery when 50% of useful life expires or after 1 cumulative hour of use.
False activation: Notify FSS (1-800-WX-BRIEF) immediately. Squawk 7700 briefly, then 1600 to help SAR rule out. Turn off ELT to stop transmission.
14 CFR 91.207; AIM 6-2-5; ACS PA.IX.D
Survival Gear Considerations §
The ACS expects awareness of survival gear appropriate to the planned route. Over water, remote terrain, or mountainous areas, consider carrying:
• Personal locator beacon (PLB) — 406 MHz, registered, waterproof
• Life vests / flotation devices (over water)
• Signaling devices: mirror, whistle, flare
• Water and rations for remote routes
• First aid kit
• Knife and fire-starting equipment
File a VFR flight plan so SAR knows where to look if you don't arrive.
• Personal locator beacon (PLB) — 406 MHz, registered, waterproof
• Life vests / flotation devices (over water)
• Signaling devices: mirror, whistle, flare
• Water and rations for remote routes
• First aid kit
• Knife and fire-starting equipment
File a VFR flight plan so SAR knows where to look if you don't arrive.
ACS PA.IX.D; AIM 6-2