Hey you guys - stop being so hard on Crab. Don't turn this into military bashing.
Firstly, ANY Comm can receive 121.5. If yours can't, take it back for a refund. Whether you decide to listen to it is another matter. I myself do so as a matter of course. I have always taught the less experienced pilots that I have flown with (assumming there are 2 comms) to listen to 121.5 and just use the other radio for all transmissions. If things get busy then ditch the 121.5 and tune to whatever you like but go back to 121.5 when you no longer need the second comm.
I have actually monitored two EPIRBs of people in distress because I was in the area (and subsequently rescued them).
Don't understand the need for a TDA though. Go in, get 'em and then get out.
BTW, I am civilian pilot.
