It still makes me wonder why a more secure reliable system cannot be introduced.
For example, if the transponders have to be switched off when on the ground to avoid excess noise in ATC then an alert should be produced if they are not switched on following take off.
If they are switched off during flight time an alert should be sent to ATC to alert and to query why.
If no response is received then the respective action can be taken.
Aircraft should, in my opinion, have their movement data compulsorily recorded without the option to switch the system off.
We should not rely on finding the black boxes and we should never be in situation as is the case now where an aircraft and 239 people are missing.
If cost is a factor well how much will this incident end up costing and how much did Air France 447 cost in locating and recovering the black boxes?
Hundreds of millions no doubt.