An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) is installed where?

• A. In the Dorsal Fin
• B. In the Tail Cone
• C. In the Nose Gear Bay
• D. In the Cockpit area

Answer: (A)

An ELT should be mounted where its beacon has a clear view of the sky, stays protected, and remains rugged in a crash. Placing it in the dorsal fin—the upper rear portion of the fuselage where the tail meets the body—gives the transmitter an elevated, exterior position that keeps the antenna clear of bulky interior structure. This improves the chance that the 406 MHz distress signal (and any accompanying 121.5 MHz beacon) reaches satellites and search-and-rescue systems promptly, even if the aircraft is damaged or resting on its back. The dorsal fin also provides a robust mounting site integrated into the tail structure, reducing exposure to cockpit equipment, cargo, and potential water intrusion. Other locations like the cockpit area, nose gear bay, or inside the tail cone tend to place the unit deeper inside the airframe or in more exposed spots, which can hinder signal reception, complicate maintenance, or increase vulnerability in a crash.