I've just read the CAA's response to the RIA on the ELTs back in 2004.
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/224/srg_ga...t-response.pdf
Its attitude to the situation is typical of the CAA. Despite many comments about the cost and practicality of the full-blown product, they come back repeatedly to the 'value per life' calculation as well as the costs involved in SAR.
The PFA, for example, raised the issue of the 'approved' product costing a minimum of £1500, or 30% of the value of the aircraft.
At the end of the consultation, the CAA made no real changes to their original idea, and there is still confusion over what a 'survival ELT' is that is different from the McMurdos.
They do go on about the life-saving properties of the system, but as Rod has said, they'll either find the wreckage, not the survivors, or they will be too late to do any good in the channel.
This bodes well for the M*d* S issue, doesn't it.......
