FWIW re last ping and shutoff of ACARS
The following is MY compilation of WSJ-FOX- and Malay Prime Minister of what ** seem* to be reasonably factual along with reading the last 20 pages of posts.
1) Flight path- zig zag along boundaries of radar coverage were deliberate and planned
2) Pings from ACARS ( hello ? hello ? ) were probably on a one hour basis after reaching ' cruise " Thus it would be possible to fly for about 1 hour AFTER the last ping- and dump it in the drink before the next scheduled ping.
3) It is also possible to get into lower bay ( required to shut down ACARS- ping ) and could be done with AX if nothing else ( special screwdriver may normally be required ?? )
4) passengers could have long since been out of picture via decompression at 20K plus for longer than passenger ox supply- while pilot(s) or baddie would still have sufficient Ox ( need to find out ETOPS requirements for Pilots OX )
5) IF ACARS shut down deliberately - then at least one hour radius from two positions on "ARC" would be a probable search area.
6) US navy/pentagon/ probably not sent to sea based on hunch - but more likely on data not yet released due to security issues.
7) Comparing cessna in red square is ridiculous - 777 is slightly larger and a bit more metal . .
8) By now, IF plane had landed - it would have been spotted
9) A feature or terrorism is FUD and zipping lips is very effective
10) still seems to be a mixup on time issues
11) 40K feet climb and stall seem to be not likely
12) IMO EVEN with various military assets, subs, sonar bouys, etc ELT pinger range in deep water may be limited for a variety of reasons best known by sonar operators. MAD devices may help . .
but at best about 3 weeks left to find ELT pinger..
12) IMO - other theories, area 51 style, gold bullion, refueling, hostages, arfe fodder for the coming 25 books on the subject via Tom clancy style- but should be relegated to the twilight zone or alternate universe types.