Chipping into the why cannot we track airliners reliably in the 21st century argument. I have a back of the cigarette packet idea that is in no way validated so be gentle...
How about a switch which forces FDRs and CVRs to start bleeping? They could even begin audibly/digitally broadcasting positional data on some defined frequency.
In fact go one step further, make it happen automatically and as soon as an "emergency" condition is sensed for at least the following:
- Stall condition (lasting more than 10 seconds)
- Engine Failure
- Overspeed (VMO + 30)
- VS below -7000fpm
- Transponder off or set to emergency codes
- Stuck mic (>2 minutes)
- etc
A few stations tuned into the said frequency could then alert the authorities. In this day and age, I agree, it seems nonsensical that we must wait for impact before positional data or pings are broadcast. Better that position data is sent before impact whilst the aircraft still has the benefit of radio range, right?