[SaltWaterDrinker]

"Did you try it in the air band? Being a pilot and airshow enthusiast..."

I tried using a practice ELT on 121.775, but all I heard was distorted noise and static.

The radio is made for FM...depending on what frequency you are using and how close the AM transmitter, you may or may not be able to hear anyone clearly. It does transmit on airband frequencies, but in FM mode. I don't know how airband radios take a FM transmitter..aha.
I wouldnt, by any means, use this as a back up radio. :P