A few weeks ago I posted the real story about the loss of a Cirrus and 3 lucky people who survived crashing into Lake Powell.  The discussion quickly developed into gps transmitting EPIRB vs ELT.

 

Coincidentally a few days later I received a catalog that had several EPIRB products listed.  In reviewing the products they all appear to have excellent features, gps transmission of location, water activation, long battery life, etc.  

 

BUT they all also seem to advertise the products ability to withstand extreme shock.  Meaning the event of a violent sudden shock won’t set them off.  I assume this is for use in rough seas in the boating world.  And the EPIRB is meant to be actuated manually or by exposure to water.

 

If I am in an airplane accident and rendered dead or incapacitated, on dry land, I think I want the sudden impact of the event to set off my EPIRB or ELT?

 

Am I missing something in the advertising or function of these new and great products as they relate to aviation?

 

Thanks,

 

Bryan J. Burr

N132BB

Lancair Super ES