Originally Posted by
Pilot DAR
I choose to always have someone (a responsible person, by the legal definition) know where I am, even in my plane. The difference is that I choose who knows where I am, not everyone knows where I am. When I select altitude on the Transponder, and having told my family, everyone who needs to know where I am, does. I don't like the idea that random computer users could track my private whereabouts.
I do agree though, that that is a privilege of private flying. Once the flight is in any way compensated, the passenger should be entitled to suitable tracking, as they have purchased a transportation service, with expectations of public assistance, should it be needed. The public emergency services (whom we pay by taxes) should be able to accomplish their role with reasonable efficiency, meaning more rescue than search. If you've kept your location private even to emergency services, you have surrendered efficient (or even any) rescue. A pilot has no right to put a passenger in that situation.
That's a good summary of probably how a great deal of us feel about these Tracking Sites, etc.
But, how do you square that away with maintaning Electronic Conspicuity at all times to avoid risk of collision?
When I go sailing solo - yes, of course I give a loved one a rough ETA - "If I'm not alongside and texting you by 2200 hrs then put the balloon up" but flying - I think we need to inhabit the space we fly in for all to see - electronically - as far as we can with at least Mode S, and ADS-B, etc, etc. Why wouldn't we? Apart from cost - which I know is bloody expensive, but what price...?
How do you justify this Electronic Silence - unless you're thouroughly back country?
Not having a go - genuinely interested.