Question of the Week: Time to Phase Out ELTs?

Editorial Staff

Thursday, September 09, 2010 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) have failed to activate or had their signals obscured in recent high-profile accidents.
Existing satellite tracking technology, capable of tracking individual aircraft, is presented as a potential alternative to ELTs.
The article poses the central question of whether traditional ELTs should be replaced by satellite tracking systems.

See a mistake? Contact us.

In some high-profile recent accidents, emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) have failed to activate or their signals were obscured. The technology has existed for some time to track individual aircraft by satellite. Should we scrap ELTs in favor of satellite tracking?

Should ELTs be replaced by satellite trackers?
(click to answer)

Last Week’s Question: Results

Want to see the current breakdown of responses? Take a moment to answer the question yourself, and then you can view real-time results.

What’s On Your Mind?

Have an idea for a new “Question of the Week”?
Send your suggestions to.

NOTE: This address is only for suggested “QOTW” questions, and not for “QOTW” answers or comments. (Use this form to send “QOTW” comments to our AVmail Editor.)