Diddley Dee
I probably should put my hard hat on first but.....
I've followed this thread and finally feel the need to "sound off" myself.
As far as I am concerned I:
- Fly 99% with in the area covered by 121.5 tri-angulation
- Believe it is totally legal (even encouraged) to use it for "Practice Pans", "Training Fixes" and when I am "Unsure of my position"
- WILL use it if I am unsure of my position and am close to controlled airspace or (especially) Cumulo Granitus (thoughnever have and hope never to have to)
- Totally agree that a student who has used it during their training is more likely to use it EARLY when they get into doubt - as opposed to getting into real trouble. For me that says: "Continue getting students to practice".
And in a pre-emptive response to some of the things that will be thrown:
- I cannot use a Radar service in many of the aircraft I fly as they don't have a transponder (before anyone starts they don't have a starter motor or generator either).
- I cannot use another frequency as auto-triangulation will not be available.
- I would not be in favour of a "separate" frequency - now the low hours PPL, unsure of their position, scared, .... needs to decide "Is this an emergency". Far better they get straight onto somone who can deal with the full range of eventualities.
As said by many others: "If you don't like it then campaign to get the UK difference withdrawn".
I fly in the UK and will obey the laws that govern me flying there. I will also, at appropriate times, use ALL the LEGAL safety aids provided.
Until the "professionals" can manage to select the correct box the bit about "removing the plank from ones own eye before bothering with the speck in your brothers" springs to mind.
OK - now I really have put my hard hat on.
OC619