What action should be taken to the radio transmitter before ditching the aircraft?

• A. Switch to continuous emission
• B. Power off
• C. Switch to standby
• D. Increase power

Answer: (A)

In an aircraft ditching, keeping a distress signal active is critical for rescue, so the transmitter should be set to continuous emission. This ensures the distress beacon stays on the air without interruptions, making it easier for search and rescue assets on the ground, sea, or in the air to detect and home in on your location. Turning the transmitter off or leaving it in standby would create gaps in the beacon, reducing the chances of being located promptly. Increasing power isn’t the primary goal here and doesn’t guarantee better detectability if the signal isn’t continuously transmitted; the priority is a steady, nonstop distress signal.