Which frequency is designated as the international distress frequency for aircraft?

Which frequency is designated as the international distress frequency for aircraft?

• A. 121.5 MHz
• B. 2182 kHz
• C. 156.8 MHz
• D. 243 MHz

Answer: (A)

Aircraft emergency communications rely on a universal distress frequency used worldwide. That frequency is 121.5 MHz. It is monitored by air traffic services, search-and-rescue organizations, and satellites, so a distress call from a cockpit can be picked up and help can be directed to the location. Many emergency beacons (ELTs) also use this band to aid rescuers, complementing newer 406 MHz beacons with satellite location data. The other options serve different purposes: maritime distress on 2182 kHz, navigation aids like VOR on 156.8 MHz, and a military/UHF distress channel on 243 MHz. So, 121.5 MHz is designated for aircraft distress internationally.

Aircraft emergency communications rely on a universal distress frequency used worldwide. That frequency is 121.5 MHz. It is monitored by air traffic services, search-and-rescue organizations, and satellites, so a distress call from a cockpit can be picked up and help can be directed to the location. Many emergency beacons (ELTs) also use this band to aid rescuers, complementing newer 406 MHz beacons with satellite location data. The other options serve different purposes: maritime distress on 2182 kHz, navigation aids like VOR on 156.8 MHz, and a military/UHF distress channel on 243 MHz. So, 121.5 MHz is designated for aircraft distress internationally.