Potentially a plus for pprune in that instead of speculating about the unknowns in such a tragedy, which can be hurtful to many friends and family, we have evolved into a discussion about a known (and a known that will have made very little difference to this tragedy, but may assist others in future):
Whether or not it is a good idea to talk to someone (ie Scottish) on the radio, whether or not to carry a locator beacon, who to talk to when making a Mayday, whether or not to have a transponder, and triangulation with D&D.
Have to say, did try a "training fix" with Scottish D&D near Strathaven with a student and they - I think - said they really didn't have the equipment up here for that at our levels. ie below 3k.
I think for location you just can't beat a transponder. For remote areas a beacon. Only one of our school aircraft has a transponder, but I have a locator beacon and I would set it off as soon as was in trouble.
Last edited by xrayalpha; 14th May 2012 at 10:56.