Originally Posted by
Ian W
This is where schemes are developed for sending only when the aircraft knows it has a problem. However, that may mean not getting anything as the problem may kill the satellite link especially if the link requires a satellite tracking antenna. So a better scheme may be to record the data onto ejectable ELTs that would be able to transmit their location and also when they are found they contain the DFDR/CVR data that is required - solid state storage being close to indestructible and of significant capacity.
How often do you need to service the flotation gear to make sure that if it's ever needed, it actually inflates and it floats?