FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsMedium
During a preflight inspection, a pilot checks the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) battery records. Per 14 CFR 91.207, when must the ELT battery be replaced or recharged?
- AAfter 1 cumulative hour of use, or when 50% of its useful life has expired, whichever occurs first
- BAfter 4 cumulative hours of use, regardless of useful life percentage
- CEvery 24 calendar months, regardless of hours used
- DOnly when the ELT fails a self-test
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. After 1 cumulative hour of use, or when 50% of its useful life has expired, whichever occurs first
14 CFR 91.207(c) requires ELT batteries to be replaced (or recharged, if rechargeable) after 1 cumulative hour of use, or when 50 percent of their useful life or useful life of charge has expired, whichever event occurs first.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 4 hours is not the correct cumulative use threshold.
- C. There is no fixed 24-month rule independent of usage and battery life.
- D. A failed self-test is not the regulatory trigger; the rule is time-based.
ELT Battery Replacement
Under 91.207(c), ELT batteries must be replaced after 1 cumulative hour of use or 50% of useful life expiration, whichever comes first.
- 1 cumulative hour of use triggers replacement
- 50% of useful life is the alternate trigger
- Whichever condition occurs first governs
Memory trick: One hour of talking or half a life gone — swap the battery before it's blown