Thank you dublinpilot and peterh337.
I think I know much better where I stand now vis-a-vis Flight plans in UK. Not very prominently !
OK. Seems the best lesson from this is to make sure one is on the ball sufficiently to get a clear MayDay call out with as accurate a position fix (plus IAS, heading, and altitude) as possible in order to trigger SAR and give them the best chance of locating you, irrespective of filing a plan or not.
Also, carrying the right kit (GPS beacon), and, if crossing water, lifejacket etc, checking it is serviceable & accessible, and knowing how to use it...
To all other responders, thanks again for your inputs.
Safe flying.
Last edited by Flylogical; 17th Aug 2012 at 22:12.
Reason: typo