Yes it can be used to give a hint of a direction to look out for a visual contact of something who knows if its the one you have passed information on.
I have zero problem with people having such units and would encourage people to get one if they can afford it. Although I must admit I don't have a clue about these unapproved units but they seem to get the thumbs up on here.
Its the RT call giving meaningless information that the aircraft has a contact on that unit. Notice I say "a contact" you have no way of knowing that the contact is the one thats being talked about.
Its a dirty habit of pilots giving the call, and I freely admit that the commercial pilots are just as guilty as private.
With anyluck CAP 413 will get addition on the subject that will put all the flight deck discussions to an end. Most training deptments in Europe are pretty hot on stamping it out these days.
Last edited by mad_jock; 30th June 2012 at 09:18.