Can you fly a part 135 flight without carrying an ELT?

In the context of Part 135 operations, an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) is usually required for flights, as it plays a critical role in enhancing safety during operations. However, there are specific circumstances under which an ELT may not be necessary.

When a flight is designated specifically for the purpose of conducting repairs or maintenance on an ELT, the requirement for an operable ELT can be waived. This is because the primary intent of the flight is not for passenger transport or cargo delivery, but rather to ensure compliance with safety regulations by repairing the safety equipment itself.

In typical flight operations, the absence of an ELT could pose significant risks; therefore, flights that do not fall under special purpose exemptions typically require that all safety equipment, including the ELT, is operational and aboard the aircraft. This context supports the understanding that while the ELT is generally mandatory, specific operational scenarios can allow for deviations from this rule, such as flights aiming to fix or replace malfunctioning ELTs.