Which facility forwards ELT information to RCC?

• A. TACAN Center
• B. ATCT
• C. ARTCC
• D. FSS

Answer: (C)

When an ELT triggers a distress alert, the information needs to reach the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) so SAR can begin. In the U.S. system, the path for this en-route distress information goes through the Air Route Traffic Control Center. The ARTCC is the facility responsible for en-route coordination and has the established link to forward ELT data to the RCC, triggering SAR response.

A tower (ATCT) handles local airport operations and does not forward ELT alerts to RCC. A TACAN center focuses on navigation aid, not SAR coordination. Flight Service Stations provide weather info and some pilot support but are not the primary conduit for relaying ELT distress data to RCC. Hence, the ARTCC is the correct facilitator for forwarding ELT information to RCC.