AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/pilot-emergency-frequency-121-5

On a VFR cross-country and not talking to ATC, which frequency would you use in an emergency?

121.5 MHz, the emergency frequency.

Start playing free

  1. 122.5 MHz
  2. 128.725 MHz
  3. 121.5 MHz ✔

Why: 121.5 MHz is the VHF emergency frequency. Many ATC and flight service facilities listen on it, and the AIM encourages pilots to monitor it in flight.

Huh, didn't know that: Older analog emergency locator transmitters send a downward swept tone on 121.5 and 243.0 MHz.

The dad joke
Why did the radio see a doctor? It kept having frequency problems.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 121.5 MHz. 121.5 MHz is the VHF emergency frequency. Many ATC and flight service facilities listen on it, and the AIM encourages pilots to monitor it in flight.

  1. AIM 6-3 Distress and Urgency Procedures www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap6_section_3.html
    121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

FlyingWhen may an analog 121.5 MHz ELT be tested on the airplane?FlyingInbound to a nontowered airport, from how far out should you monitor and talk on the CTAF?FlyingOn the radio, what does 'Wilco' mean?

That's stuff everyone should know.