On Aug 23, 4:29*pm, Darryl Ramm wrote:
The rules still allow a CD to require an ELT or a tracking device like a SPOT. Unfortunately the decision to specifically call out ELT there is a mistake -- a 406 Mhz PLB would be more useful/practical/affordable than an ELT. But its all irrelevant since no CD is going to require an ELT, especially not when SPOT et al are around. Maybe SPOT may get required in future, and that may not be a bad thing.

There is by in large no workable solution to the antenna issue unless you want to drill a hole in your fuselage and promise not to crash upside down or in a way that tears off the antenna, neither is there a solution to problems with lack of proper impact activation. For all the hassle if you want a SARSAT 406 MHz / 121.5MHz beacon device you might as well get a 406Mhz PLB and save a lot of money (and mount it on your parachute harness so it stays with you).

There is just better technology than ELTs and PLBs for most of us. The SPOT being the obvious example, with other similar technology products continuing to emerge.

Darryl

One more thing to point out, which is another reason why Spot is by
far the better solution, is that a PLB will only work if you are not
incapacitated since it needs to be manually activated, unless you'll
have the present of mind to activate it just before you crash...

Ramy