Originally Posted by London Mil
On the one hand, NATS react to their customers' demands. If the airlines bleat enough about something it is only right for NATS to respond. Conversely, it is in NATS' interest to keep VHF auto-triangulation as it probably contributes towards the 'safety net', especially in reducing airspace infringements. This issue is particularly high on their agenda and, correct me if I'm wrong, I suspect that NATS would prefer to keep the capability.
The capability already exists and there is no intention to do away with it. If anything NATS would prefer to see additional 121.5 coverage to enhance the service. What is being proposed is yet another frequency with the cost involved in setting it up and maintaining it. There is a big 'discussion' which could be had about the 'safety net' of auto-triang to prevent or assist in the reduction of airspace infringements. A&FC can only help when the pilot realises that they're lost and call on 121.5. They can (and do) blunder about in CAS etc. quite unknowingly.
BD