Jim,
Please give us some feedback on this idea. Since aircraft rated 406MHz ELTs may be out of the price range of some pilots, I've suggested a few times that they install the old style ELT and buy a PLB. If the PLB is mounted in the cockpit or attached to the pilot then perhaps, in an emergency, the PLB could be manually activated (just as you suggest activating the ELT and setting the transponder to 7700). (If I were wealthy, I'd have an aircraft mounted, automatically activating 406MHz ELT and a manually activated PLB attached to me.) I'd a lot rather call in after a successful forced landing and explain why I activated and then shut off my PLB (or ELT) than have it be difficult for you guys to find me. In my one forced <http://ercoupe.org/Fly-in%20Reports/Gas-line-ice.htm> landing, I didn't even call out on the radio because I'd just bought the plane and hadn't been able (in several tries) to be understood over that radio by anyone. It was worrisome, gliding down toward the field knowing that no one would know where I was, if it didn't go well. It did go well following the same procedures I'd demonstrated in my checkride the week before. I was able to walk 100 yards to the farm house and call home. After that, I periodically rehearsed what I'd say, first on Unicom 122.8 (well populated here in the central states), then on 121.5, then flip on the ELT switch behind my left shoulder. I practiced reaching back to that ELT on-switch so many times I could easily do it without affecting my control of the plane. Here's a big "Thank you" to all you guys and gals for all your time spent participating in CAP and searches? Thank you! Ed
